DUNFERMLINE and West Fife MP Thomas Docherty has thanked the Press for its help in reassuring the Rosyth community over submarine fears.

In November, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced that two Trafalgar class submarines – HMS Talent and HMS Triumph – would move to the Clyde by 2020 from HM Naval Base Devonport. News of the move north from Plymouth prompted community concerns that the subs would be maintained by Babcock at Rosyth Dockyard after decommissioning but Mr Docherty welcomed confirmation from Defence Minister Philip Dunne that no more nuclear submarines would be heading to West Fife.

“I am delighted that the Minister has stated in no uncertain terms that there is no truth whatsoever in this rumour,” he said. “I am grateful to the Dunfermline Press for bringing this to my attention, so that we have been able to give reassurances to the community.

“With an outline decision expected later this year on the storage site and with Babcock making real progress on preparing the plans for dismantling, everyone locally can be positive about the future.” Mr Docherty, who has led the community campaign to have the seven submarines removed from the dockyard as soon as possible, spoke directly to Mr Dunne following the Press’ coverage of media speculation elsewhere.

In his letter to Mr Docherty, Mr Dunne confirmed that the west coast media speculation had been “entirely incorrect” and provided assurances that “those in-service submarines covered by the Submarine Dismantling Project will move to Devonport when they are decommissioned, where they will be defuelled in the facilities being built as part of the future Nuclear Facilities Programme.” Mr Dunne added, “We are not planning to dismantle any additional submarines at Rosyth.”