A SOMEWHAT controversial project which will provide a new waste water treatment works for a large area around the southern landfall of the Tay Road Bridge was formally set in motion yesterday.

The £7 million scheme, approved only after a long planning debate, will occupy a highly prominent site above the Tay and will serve the communities of Tayport, Newport and Wormit, and the first turf was cut by local Fife councillor Maggie Taylor.

The event, which was targeted by a token demonstration staged by some residents upset over the choice of site, was attended by members of the community and representatives of Scottish Water and Scottish Water Solutions.

They were joined by the winners of Scottish Water’s local art competition, which involved youngsters from the three communities.

Councillor Taylor said she was delighted to be joined by the children as she marked the official start of construction, and was pleased to have been asked to perform the ceremony.

“This investment is going towards protecting the local environment and improving the water flowing in the River Tay now and for future generations,” she said.

Cheryl Black, Scottish Water’s customer services director, said the “massive investment” is part of the biggest ever clean-ups of the Scottish environment.

She said every day more than 18,400 bath tubs of partially treated sewage flows into the Tay estuary.

“To add protection to the local environment and improve the river water quality, the new works will treat waste water to a much higher standard and meet stringent new EU legislation.

“Scottish Water’s main aim is to help protect the local environment now and for future generations to enjoy.

“The new works is part of one of the biggest clean-ups of Scotland’s coastlines in centuries and is a vital part of the service we provide for the community.

“Taking care of the environment is also a subject close to our children’s hearts and is a hot topic in schools. That is why the competition was a great way of ensuring community involvement whilst making learning fun.

“We do not under-estimate the value of working with the community. We reassure residents that we will continue our commitment to keep them and their representatives informed throughout the construction,” said Ms Black.

One of the protesters who turned up to express dismay over the development was the chairman of the local community council, Jean Massie. The community council strongly objected to the choice of site, although yesterday Mrs Massie said she had attended only as a Tayport resident.

“It’s not that we don’t need or want this water treatment works, everyone knows that something has to be done,” she said.

“The issue has always been the choice of site, and many people feel that a more friendly location would have been appropriate.”

The competition for the local primary schools had two categories. P1-3 had to draw and name an “imaginary fish” that they think lives under the water in the Tay Estuary. The older P4-7 had to “invent” a gadget that could be used to clean up their water. Each of the winners received a £15 gift voucher for their school.

Winners from Tayport Primary School: P1-3 Philippa Barnwell (P2); P4-7 India Lyall (P4/5).

Winners from Newport Primary School: P1-3 Kyle Dickerson (P2); P4-7 Skye Morgan (P5).

Winners from Wormit Primary School: P1-3 Sophia Zomerdwk-Russell (P2); P4-7 Lucy Clift (P5).