More than 320 radioactive samples have been removed from Dalgety Bay beach since the start of September.
The huge number of finds has prompted local MP Gordon Brown to call for next month’s meeting of the Dalgety Bay Radiation Forum to be brought forward so the issue can be discussed as a matter of urgency.
The former Prime Minister has also asked for an assurance that the recent developments do not pose an increased cancer risk for local people, and has written to the Ministry of Defence calling for action.
Mr Brown and MSP Helen Eadie have for several years been working alongside the community council to ensure the beach site is properly monitored and that reports are produced on the radiation threat posed from the breakup of old wartime planes from Donibristle.
After visiting the beach on Tuesday, the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP said: ”A further 33 sources were recovered from Dalgety Bay intertidal area on Saturday, which brings the total sources recovered by SEPA to 326 since September 2011.
”Given this large increase in the number of sources being found over such a short period and the fact that the levels of a recent find of metal were ten times higher than anything ever found before, I have asked SEPA to bring forward the meeting of the Dalgety Bay Radiation Forum from November 22.
”I do this because I feel there is an urgent need for this forum to come together and discuss these recent findings.
”Secondly, I have written to NHS Fife to seek assurance that every precaution has been taken and to reassure local residents that there is no cancer threat in the area as a result of these latest developments. Thirdly, I have already written to the MoD raising my concern at these latest findings and specifically asking them to bring forward proposals for a remediation plan as recommended by SEPA.”
Dalgety Bay Community Council chairman Colin McPhail added; ”We have worked alongside Gordon on this issue over many years and we are backing his calls for action to be taken and a remediation plan to be brought forward.
”We will continue to work with all members of the radiation forum but we feel the MoD must increase its participation and look to a solution.”
More than 60 radioactive samples were removed from the beach at Dalgety Bay over the weekend of October 15 and 16 alone.
The number of finds was said to be higher than anticipated, despite warning signs at the beach for a number of years urging the public not to pick up items from the beach.
It is thought the contamination originates from the radium-coated instrument panels of military aircraft incinerated and land-filled at the headland beside the sailing club after the Second World War.
Over the years monitoring has been undertaken by different agencies including SEPA and the Ministry of Defence and radioactive material has been removed periodically.
Due to the large number of finds, SEPA has announced that monitoring of the affected area will resume later this week.