FIFE COUNCIL have been told to “do their job” with fears that debris blocking a burn could lead to nasty sewage floating around Rosyth.

Recent reports from the community council and residents describe rubbish clogging Brankholm Burn again and a drain along Park Road.

Burn maintenance was deemed to be top of the agenda by locals after their distress over decades of flooding came to a head at a public meeting last year.

Although flooding issues are described as “complex” and involve input from Scottish Water and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the council was urged to carry out regular maintenance as part of preventative measures.

Danny Hughes, chair of Rosyth Community Council, said: “Members are liaising with the three organisations and they are working with us but the council did promise to do their job.

“It’s not nice when you get sewage floating in the street, it’s a health hazard.

“I understand there are serious issues they are dealing with that are going to take time.

“However, cleaning the burn is something that needs to be done regularly and something that needs to be checked more than it currently is.”

Councillor Sam Steele said she contacted the South West Fife area manager, who is a co-ordinator of the flood prevention strategy for Rosyth, after community complaints.

He told the councillor that he had passed the information on to the relevant officers and requested he be informed when the debris had been cleared.

Flooding has been a long-standing issue in the town. Last March, Park Road Primary pupils had to be evacuated from their classrooms with parents hoisting children onto their backs before wading to safety after a heavy deluge.

Cllr Steele said: “Burn maintenance has to be high on the agenda as a preventative measure for the historic flooding in Rosyth.

“The burn is full of debris and it is a while back since it was cleaned out. It is a big concern.”

Cllr Steele also said the burn in Camdean had been used as a dumping ground for a mattress and litter in recent weeks.

Ross Speirs, lead consultant – flooding, shoreline and harbour at Fife Council, said: “The council works closely with SEPA to ensure that work is co-ordinated to mitigate for any possible flooding that may affect the residents of Park Road area, Rosyth.

“We take a proactive approach to maintenance. The Brankholme and Whinny burns are inspected regularly, with the trash screens and culverts cleared monthly by the council, or sooner, if required.

“In addition, monitoring of the weather forecast is carried out to ensure any obstructions are cleared, should there be possible heavy rainfall that could affect the area. We have also asked local residents to report any fly-tipping into the burn that may cause concern.

“Fly-tipping can be reported online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/flytipping or by calling 03451 55 00 22. We thank the local community for providing additional information, which supplements our own inspection regime.”