DUNFERMLINE'S Headwell Avenue has been branded the "forgotten street" by a resident who says the area has become inhabitable.

"Damp", "rat-infested" and "rotten" are just some of the words she used to describe the council flats situated there.

The resident, who wishes to stay anonymous, also claims tenants are ignored when they complain.

"It is now the forgotten street that seems the worst in Dunfermline now that Abbeyview and Broomhead have had massive improvements," the woman said.

"If they were owned by private landlords would it be acceptable to live in such a mess?

"Older people and young alike are having to live in damp, rat-infested, conditions with rotten drains backed up. Even adult nappies are left in bags full of excrement attracting all kinds of bugs, flies, maggots and rats.

"This used to be a lovely area and I feel for some who have been in the area a lot of years. It is so sad to see the difference and people who pay taxes for services they never see are being let down.

"Is this going to continue to be a downtrodden area or are there plans to give it the attention it so rightly deserves?

"I didn't work 55 years to live and look at flies and maggots."

Councillor Helen Law for Dunfermline North said: "We are aware that the area needs improvements.

"It's unfortunate that we have not been able to get a community council or tenants association running in the area, which helps get things done.

"That does not mean that the area does not get looked after though.

"However, it is not a great environment and without a doubt, it needs an upgrade."

Lynne Johnston, lead officer, housing service, said: "We are aware of some concerns regarding rubbish being left in this area.

"As soon as this was reported to us, arrangements were made for the rubbish to be removed as quickly as possible.

"We have no record of complaints regarding adult waste products, broken drains etc. However, we will visit the area this week to investigate these issues.

"We also carry out area walkabouts each spring to which all residents are invited and would welcome the tenant to join us on our next walk."

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper every week.

Trusted news has never been so important, and neither has your support.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you to help us provide you with trusted news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We’re out each week even if you can’t be and so you can also have a replica e-edition of the Press on your PC, phone or tablet ready to read whenever you want. Just click the ‘E-Edition’ tab under the Press masthead on the homepage of this website.

Thank you,

Simon Harris, Editor