Mossmorran Action Group has called a public meeting in response to widespread public concern about recent extended flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant.

They said the recent emergency flaring from the ExxonMobil site lasted for nine days and caused light, noise and air pollution which gave rise to "scores of complaints" by local residents. 

The purpose of the meeting, to be held on Wednesday July 5 in Lochgelly Town Hall, is to give local people "the opportunity to air their concerns and seek answers from the plant operators, regulatory authorities and local political representatives".

Mossmorran Action Group co-founder Katrona Turner said: “There needs to be a public debate about the facilities which is long overdue.

"For 32 years Auchtertool residents have regularly suffered negative impacts ranging in severity from one of Europe’s largest ethylene facilities.

“Speaking to our neighbouring communities, they have faced the same issues and it is time for the operators and the authorities to put our communities, our families and friends, at the heart of long overdue investigations and mitigatory action.

"We need definitive answers to our collective concerns.”

Sepa has launched an investigation into the recent incidents of flaring, with a "temporary disruption to the feedstock process" causing thick black smoke to escape from the plant on Sunday. 

It was the second incident in a matter of days with last week's "process upset" leading to prolonged flaring - the burning of excess or waste gas.

ExxonMobil apologised for both incidents.

NHS Fife have also called for action and said that people were "experiencing a range of symptoms which they relate to the flaring, such as breathing difficulties, irritated eyes and even disturbed sleep due to the noise accompanying the flaring".

Representatives from Shell and ExxonMobil, Fife Council, SEPA and NHS Fife as well as local councillors, constituency and list MSPs and the MP Lesley Laird have been invited to the meeting.

The Mossmorran Action Group was founded some months ago by residents from Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath and Auchtertool as a forum for residents impacted by operations at Mossmorran.

Its aims are to secure better engagement with the plant operators, set up independent time-based air quality, noise and pollution monitoring and seek greater redress for the plant’s negative impacts on neighbouring communities.

The meeting is on from 7pm – 9pm. All are welcome to attend.