ROSYTH councillor Mike Shirkie has demanded that the operators of a proposed fish factory in the town hold a public meeting to outline their plans.

Marine Harvest – the world’s largest producers of Atlantic salmon – hope to create up to 150 jobs by converting the former Lexmark building in Admiralty Park into a fresh and smoked salmon production centre for UK markets by Christmas.

The firm said that the West Fife plant would be operational by the festive period as part of a phased opening and had pledged to hold an information But at a meeting of Rosyth Community Council last Tuesday, Mr Shirkie said that the get-together with Marine Harvest had been cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice and rescheduled for 27th October, which he described as “not good enough”.

He is now leading calls for the company to host an open meeting in the town and commented, “We were invited to meet with the Harvest Group but it was cancelled on the day with less than 24 hours’ notice.

“It has been rearranged but I am less than happy with that. We all know the history of the fish plant and slow is not the word to describe it.

“After the 27th I would like the Harvest Group to hold a public meeting in Rosyth so they can tell us their plans as to when they are likely to open, how many jobs will be created and what kind of job opportunities will be made available.

“They shouldn’t get off without holding a public meeting.” A Marine Harvest spokesman said, “We can reassure the local community that we’re on track to be operational well before Christmas which is always a busy time for salmon.

“This is a major investment for us. We are creating a world-class facility which will be a real boost for the local economy and will create a significant number of jobs as production increases.

“We had hoped to hold a local stakeholder event earlier this month but this has been postponed until 27th October.

“This will provide an opportunity for our neighbours and representatives of the local community to see the facility.

“We will also have an official opening of the plant at some stage in the future, once it’s fully operational.”