Waste management company Viridor has been appointed as the preferred bidder for a £700 million project in the UK.

The Clyde Valley Residual Waste project is jointly run by five councils – East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire – for a long-term solution for treatment and disposal of waste.

Viridor will design, construct, finance and operate the facility to treat waste from the areas which would otherwise go to landfill.

It will process around 190,000 tonnes of residual waste every year and increase green energy recovery.

Councillor Jim Smith, Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The development is very good news for residents and businesses within the partner council areas as the project will see Viridor investing to deliver community benefits.

“This is an excellent example of shared service which will see an end to domestic waste being dumped in landfill and deliver savings and service improvements. Importantly, it will offer best value for money to taxpayers in the five council areas.”