Fears are growing someone may be killed by debris dumped on a Fife business park flying about in the wind.
The “breeding ground for rats”, and the devastating impact it may have on a neighbouring national visitor attraction, has prompted calls for action to be taken as high winds often blow chunks of rubbish across locals roads.
Last year The Courier revealed the bill to clean up the “environmental nightmare” on the doorstep of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum could top £1 million.
Since then, despite concerted efforts, the problems have festered, with one motorist, museum volunteer Edward Busst, insisting the time for prevarication is over.
“Do people have to be injured, or even killed, before anyone does anything to alleviate the situation? This commerce park is being blighted by the massive piles of waste rubbish that have been stockpiled at the entrance to the site and the whole appearance is having a disastrous impact on the surrounding countryside,” he said.
He called for an end to “buck passing” and more focus on joint working. Now Cowdenbeath MSP and Lochs Councillor Alex Rowley has stepped up his campaign to get the entrance to the M90 Commerce Park by Dunfermline tidied up.
He has called on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) to bring forward a plan after serving several enforcement notices which have not been complied with.
A “disappointed” VisitScotland has also stepped in, urging everyone to work together to look after the environment to safeguard tourism, which is an “essential part” of the Fife economy.
Museum trustee Eddie Taylor said he was very concerned at the level of mess created by the abandoned stockpile.
“The visual impact of this eyesore to our visitors does not create a good impression when entering the site.
“The amount of waste must be a haven for all sorts of vermin. Nearly all our visitors comment about the entrance, which is something that we have no control over.
“We only hope that a solution can be found to the problem before our official public opening in April.”
The problem stems from recycling firm First Option Services ceasing trading last year, leaving a 30ft pile of rotting rubbish, including waste carpet and plasterboard.
Since then Sepa has made several attempts to have the waste removed by the individuals involved in the company.
A spokesman for the agency said: “Further enforcement action is currently being considered and Sepa is continuing to monitor the situation at the site.”
A spokeswoman for VisitScotland said: “Tourism is an essential part of the economy of Fife and the surrounding natural environment is a major draw to visitors.
“To ensure we get maximum benefit from visitors to the region who spend money staying in hotels, visiting attractions and shopping in the local area then it’s vital to give them compelling reasons to return.
“VisitScotland is disappointed to learn of the situation next to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum and encourages everyone to look after the environment to ensure Fife continues to be a ‘must visit, must return’ destination.”