A three-piece suite and a fridge freezer are among items left dumped on a Levenmouth street by fly-tippers.
Fife Council has launched an investigation into the latest incident in Methil, which happened close to a number of communal household bins which are broken and overflowing.
SNP councillor John O’Brien said the incident marked an escalation of an ongoing problem in Wellesley Road, where there have previously been complaints from locals about rats living among the waste.
The council carried out a wholesale clear-up in 2016 amid claims rodents were making residents’ lives a misery. However, fly-tipping quickly resumed and people have been dumping rubbish, including food, over a wall onto waste ground as well as onto the street if bins are full.
The row of bins looks similar to a council recycling point and councillors believe members of the public may be using the site in the mistaken belief it is open to everyone.
Mr O’Brien said the fridge in particular was dangerous.
“It’s been there for weeks,” he said.
“If a child climbs inside it could lead to tragedy or it could fall over on top of an elderly person.
“There’s also a three-piece suite dumped half on the street and half over the wall.
“There’s a recycling centre less than a mile up the road but people are instead choosing to dump their rubbish here. It’s ridiculous.”
The councillor also called on the local authority to empty the bins more frequently.
“I live in Methil and I’m getting a lot of complaints,” he said.
“I’ve reported it and while the wheels are in motion to get it dealt with, the process is very, very slow.”
Dawn Jamieson, Fife Council’s safer communities team manager, said the service was aware of the issue.
“Officers are carrying out investigations into the dumped waste,” she said.
“We would encourage anyone with any information that may help us with our investigation to get in touch by calling 03451 55 00 22 or emailing safercommunities.team@fife.gov.uk.
“These are bins for householders to use,” she added.
“The bin lids have been broken but will be repaired soon.”
