WORK is finally set to start to remove the radioactive pollution from Dalgety Bay's beach.

Local MP Roger Mullin said he had received confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that the way was clear to tackle the contamination, which was first discovered in 1990.

He said: "I was delighted to receive the news that work is finally due to commence after years of negotiations.

"The issue of radiation contamination at Dalgety Bay beach has been a blight on the lives of local residents for over 20 years, but I am cautiously optimistic that the beach will now be made safe for use by current and future generations."

Mr Mullin received confirmation that all relevant access approvals have been signed, and reassurance that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) did not anticipate delays to the 'geophysical intrusive' works commencing.

The Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP added: “I will continue to seek regular communication with the MoD and DIO to ensure that the project is running to schedule.”

Vice chairman of Dalgety Bay Community Council, Willie Allan, said: “This is excellent news for the community.

"I’m sure I speak for all of the community council when I say that we are very grateful to Roger for all his assistance in bringing these plans to fruition.”

The MoD also stated, in response to a question posed by Mr Mullin, that the UK’s vote to leave the European Union should not have a significant impact on the funding of the project.

The problem of contamination has been an issue for over a quarter of a century with over 3,000 radioactive particles being found at Dalgety Bay over the past two decades.

The material is thought to date back to when parts of Second World War aircraft, including their radiated instruments, were dumped at the site.