Team work is needed to rid a Fife business park of a festering eyesore, according to a local politician.
Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley has written to the Scottish Government and to all west Fife elected representatives about the rotting piles of illegally dumped waste in the M90 Commerce Park at Lathalmond.
Mr Rowley, who has raised the issue previously with the Scottish Government, Fife Council and with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, has called on all politicians to work together to push for a solution to the issue.
Three years ago, two men were convicted of keeping controlled waste – around 3,500 tonnes of scrap carpet and 3,500 tonnes of unneeded plasterboard – in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.
They were sentenced to community payback orders, each with 150 hours of unpaid work.
“Despite convictions, and a recognition of the illegally dumped materials, there has been no progress on the removal and clean up of the dump to date,” Mr Rowley said.
“When I last met Sepa they said they were in discussion with the owners of the site but that their powers were limited.
“I have pressed the Scottish Government, Sepa and Fife Council – however, action is yet to be taken.
“I am hoping that all elected representatives from the area can work together to try yo push for this issue to be resolved.”
He said he was asking all politicians to work together and call for collaborative action to be taken “to rid Fife of this illegal festering rubbish tip blighting the landscape once and for all”.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We are monitoring this issue closely and we are working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to ensure this is resolved swiftly and with no harm to the environment or human health.
“Sepa continue to monitor the site and are in ongoing dialogue with Fife Council regarding this matter.
“They have advised that, during a meeting in December 2018, the site’s landowner expressed a willingness to explore options for removal of the waste from Lathalmond.
“A further meeting will take place in June to discuss potential options and costs and to decide how the matter can be progressed further.”
