TWO local politicians have joined forces in the hopes of bringing an end to the ongoing abandonment of shopping trolleys in Halbeath.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville and Dunfermline Central councillor Neale Hanvey are calling for action to stop the trolleys from being dumped near the Asda Halbeath store.

The pair recently found several abandoned at locations between Fife College and Halbeath Retail Park.

They have now written to Asda Halbeath in the hopes of arranging a meeting to discuss the matter.

Ms Somerville said: "It’s clear from having inspected the area that there are many abandoned shopping trolleys in Halbeath. The bus stop across from Fife College is a particular black spot, as people appear to have dumped trollies before taking their shopping home on the bus.

"I’d encourage people to refrain from dumping their shopping trolleys. It’s not fair on the residents of Halbeath, most of whom take pride in keeping their area clean and tidy. They want their area to be trolley-free."

Councillor Hanvey had previously met with Asda to discuss the problem, and he feels the situation has worsened since the £1 'deposit' at the store was removed.

He said: "Shirley-Anne and I have written to Asda management about this issue, because they’re the only ones who can stop this from happening. They could install perimeter locking-mechanisms on all of their trolleys, for example.

"People are fed-up, and the issue has only become worse since Asda decided to remove the £1 ‘deposit’ on their shopping trolleys. Asda’s trolleys are, ultimately, Asda’s responsibility, so we hope to have a meeting to ask what steps can realistically be taken."