WEST FIFE politicians have been urged to work together to get rid of a festering pile of illegally dumped waste at Lathalmond.

The 30 feet-high rubbish dump at the M90 Commerce Park has been an eyesore for years and could cost £1 million for the clean-up – with no clear idea about who will pick up the tab.

In his latest efforts to finally get some movement on the long-running saga, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has written to the Scottish Government and all West Fife elected representatives to push for a solution.

The Labour MSP has also tabled a question in the Scottish Parliament asking the Scottish Government what progress had been made in finding a solution.

“Despite convictions, and a recognition of the illegally-dumped materials, there has been no progress on the removal and clean-up of the dump to date," said Mr Rowley.

"When I last met SEPA, they said they were in discussion with the owners of the site but that their powers were limited.

“I have pressed the Scottish Government, SEPA and Fife Council – however, action is yet to be taken.

“I am asking all politicians to work together and write to the Scottish Government, SEPA and Fife Council to call for collaborative action to be taken to rid Fife of this illegal festering rubbish tip blighting the landscape, once and for all.”

The site at the entrance to the Lathalmond M90 Commerce Park was operated by First Option Services, who specialised in recycling materials including carpets, plastics and plasterboard until the business ceased trading in June 2012.

The two men in charge of the company, Michael Hope and James Winters, received community payback orders at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in June 2016 after admitting keeping controlled waste – approximately 3,500 tonnes of waste carpet and 3,500 tonnes of waste plasterboard – in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.

No orders were made to clear the site and SEPA and Fife Council have so far been unable to resolve the issue.

Dunfermline and West Fife MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville is also keen to see a resolution.

“It’s time that this eyesore was cleaned up," she said. “I appreciate that there are processes to be followed but it’s taking too long to see progress made with this issue.

“I’ll be contacting SEPA and Fife Council to press for urgent action to take this case forward as a priority.”

Fife Council told the Press this week that it was a matter for SEPA.

Their chief compliance officer, Ian Buchanan, said they remained "firmly focussed" on finding a solution for the removal of waste from the Lathalmond site.

“We have had productive discussions with the landowner and understand they are currently exploring potential options for removal of the waste," he said. "We will remain in contact with them while this work is ongoing to ensure progress continues, and will continue to work alongside Fife Council to achieve a positive outcome to this long-standing issue.

“Monitoring of the site for any current or emerging environmental impacts is ongoing. At present this remains low.”