DUNFERMLINE residents have sent 89 letters of concern to Virgin Media ahead of a meeting with the broadband provider next month.

Virgin have come under heavy criticism from West Fifers and businesses in the past year over the state roads and footpaths have been left in following their work on installing cables in the area.

Dunfermline North councillor Gavin Ellis said: "I have been approached by residents and one in particular who should be thanked for his work in speaking to nearly 250 residents.

"This has resulted in 89 letters of concern over Virgin Media and their ongoing works and these letters had 126 signatures to them.

"It was clear to me that residents in one area of Dunfermline North are very unhappy. Having inspected damage to our footpaths, we need to hear from Virgin Media again so we can highlight these issues."

The Press reported earlier this month that a hairdresser in the town was told to "shut the shop for the day" by workers who had arrived to carry out installations. At that stage, a Virgin Media spokesperson said: “Virgin Media is in the process of expanding its network in Dunfermline which will bring ultrafast broadband speeds to local residents and businesses. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and are in touch with the shop owner to resolve this issue.”

Cllr Ellis invited Virgin Media to attend the Dunfermline area committee meeting on June 25, and a private Q&A session with the firm will now be held afterwards.

He said: "While the introduction of Virgin Media will be a plus for Dunfermline, offering super-fast broadband, we have seen complaints come in from residents and businesses alike.

"Damage has been caused to footpaths by the collection of waste material using a truck with a grabber arm, which resulted in gouge marks on footpaths. It cannot be left to Fife Council to repair this.

"In most cases where the workers have been approached, they have been swift in dealing with any issues raised with them and have on occasion gone out of their way to assist residents.

"However, some residents have contacted their local councillors and, as a result, I had sought that Virgin Media be asked to attend the Dunfermline area committee on 25th June to hear about these issues and to update councillors on what remedial works would be undertaken on this.

"While disappointed that this will be done in a private Q&A session after the area committee, I am determined that the feelings of our residents be made clear to Virgin Media and to find out what repairs will be done where the work has fallen short."