Households are being plagued by a huge infestation of flies from a neighbouring recycling plant.

Shawhead in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, has been hit with a major infestation of the insects, which has been described as "like something out of a horror movie".

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) says it has given a final warning to GBS Recycling.

Earlier this month, the plant was found to have stored waste in excess of the limit allowed under its licence.

Shawhead residents have set up a Facebook group, The Catcher of the Fly, to document their battles to control the insects.

The group's administrator Keirsten Smith said the plant was also producing a foul smell.

She said: "In the last three days I have killed 157 flies. My mum and dad are sitting around their house with fly paper completely covered in flies. The smell is foul, it's like rancid flesh."

She said a petition was being set up for the plant to be closed down as soon as possible, saying the site has been given "chance after chance".

Residents had a problem with flies last year but the swarms have returned this month after the insects died down over the winter.

The infestation has become so bad some are struggling to sleep and food is becoming swarmed with flies minutes after being put on the table.

Brian McKelvie, who lives on Dunottar Avenue, said: "When the winter came they went away but the last month has been horrendous.

"Old women are chapping on their neighbours' doors at two in the morning, frightened out their lives. Children are afraid to go to sleep because of the flies.

"It's unbelievable, I don't know how people can live like this."

He continued: "We've got quite a few pensioners here, they can't jump around and swat them, they're making themselves ill by using so much spray.

"I don't know how the flies are getting in the houses, the windows and doors are closed.

"Last night they began around 4am, the night before I was sleeping cocooned in blankets but they eventually got in between the blankets. It's like something out of a horror movie."

Sepa said its investigation into the plant is ongoing.

A spokeswoman said: "Sepa has carried out a number of site inspections of GBS Recycling Ltd's facility following initial complaints of flies in the Shawhead area of Coatbridge, on Sunday, June 4.

"On inspection, Sepa officers substantiated that waste stockpiles had been stored in excess of the time limit allowed under their Waste Management Licence, in addition to the presence of flies on site.

"Sepa has emphasised the need for adequate pest control to take place as soon as possible to eliminate the impact of flies on the local community and has issued a final warning letter to ensure that remaining waste on site is removed this week.

"Sepa officers will continue to monitor the site and may consider further enforcement action as required, to resolve this issue."

Coatbridge and Chryston MSP Fulton MacGregor said he was concerned residents were facing problems "once again".

He added: "I have spoken with a huge number of constituents and I know that this is having a major impact on the daily lives of local people.

"I have spoken with Sepa and I will be meeting with them on Monday to discuss what actions are being taken to ensure this infestation is dealt with and there are not further repeats in the future.

"Hopefully the local councillors and the MP are able to join me at this meeting."

GBS Recycling has been approached for comment.