A DEDICATED team of Fife Council workers have been praised by local councillors as they help tidy Dunfermline’s ‘problem areas’.

The Environmental Action Team is currently working in the town to tackle the areas not usually cleaned or serviced as part of the normal programme of work.

A total of 10 staff have been employed to work across two teams, carrying out specific street-cleaning duties and deep-cleaning areas of neglect.

The teams had previously spent time in Kincardine and across Fife, making an impact on the areas and giving communities a boost.

Councillor Helen Law, convenor of the City of Dunfermline area committee, has welcomed the team’s commitment to helping the community.

She said: “It was great to meet the team and see the work that they have undertaken. They really are making a difference to the area.

"Speaking with local people, they were really pleased to see the team in their area. This has been a great initiative to help clean up some difficult areas.”

The permanent squads started in October 2017 and are initially targeting one ward in each of the seven council areas before working their way across the whole of Fife.

They will be there to clean, sweep, hoe, spray, cut protruding branches, remove debris and detritus, edge any encroachment, report broken fencing and repair if required, remove or report graffiti and will not leave an area until it has been cleaned properly.

Councillor Ian Ferguson also praised the teams, adding the public should give them their thanks.

He commented: “The difference this team is making to the streets of Dunfermline is great to see.

"Everyone likes to see their local area smart and tidy and the Environmental Action Team is making that happen.

"Everyone should give them a wave as a thank you!”