SPARKS ARE flying in a Cowdenbeath street as a resident battles to solve a mysterious electrical problem.
James Ross (43) says thousands of pounds worth of goods at his King Street home have been destroyed as a result of regular power surges linked to nearby street lights.
In one instance a tumble dryer caught fire, filling his home with smoke which, if it had not been for the presence of his girlfriend, could have seen the Fife Council employee overcome.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mr Ross is having trouble finding out who is responsible for the surges, which have afflicted his home since he moved in.
“I moved here in 2010 and in that time I estimate I’ve had about £3,500 of property damaged,” he said.
“I had both Fife Council and ScottishPower in the house last week and both of them are saying that they are not to blame.
“They watched the lights go out and both of them agreed that there was a problem but both are saying that it’s the other’s fault.
“It happened the other night and I lost my fridge-freezer and all of my food for Christmas.
“I’m not bothered about the possessions as much I just want this sorted.”
The problems begin when the street lights outside the property are switched on, resulting in a power surge that knocks out the supply to Mr Ross’s home.
Such surges have seen him lose four television sets and experience damage to his laptop on several occasions.
The most worrying episode occurred last summer when his tumble dryer caught fire.
“It was June 2011 and I had put the tumble dryer on as I went off to bed,” Mr Ross said. “My girlfriend was in the living room lying on the couch and there was a power surge.
“The next thing the living room was full of smoke. We couldn’t see ourselves because it was so thick.
“If she hadn’t been up then who knows what might have happened?”
No other properties are affected and, while ScottishPower and Fife Council have thoroughly investigated the scene, the problem remains unresolved.
Yesterday officials from Fife Fire and Rescue Service attended the property as Mr Ross continues his quest for answers.
ScottishPower has clarified its position, saying that its tests showed no problem with the electrical supply to the house.
A spokeswoman said: “We have thoroughly investigated the problem and had monitors in the house. All of the results that have come back show that there is nothing wrong with our network or with the supply going into the house.”
Fife Council, which owns the street lights, said it will continue to work with Mr Ross to find a solution.
Gary Thomson, service manager with the roads lighting team, said: “We’re aware of this unusual issue and are working with both Mr Ross and ScottishPower to try and determine its cause.
“ScottishPower’s investigation and testing are ongoing and we are cooperating fully with them to seek a solution to the difficulties Mr Ross and his family are experiencing.”
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk