AN ENVIRONMENT watchdog says it remains “firmly focussed” on finding a solution which would see the removal of “festering rubbish” which has been a blot on the West Fife landscape for more than a decade.

That's the reassurance from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) after repeated calls for action.

As reported by the Press last week, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has again called for the removal of a 30-feet high, 7,000-tonne pile of plasterboard and old carpets left at Lathalmond, near Kelty, about a decade ago.

He said the lack of action had prompted more people to use the site as a dumping ground.

Legal proceedings to decide who is responsible for the removal of the mess have been halted for four months to allow for discussions to take place between SEPA and the land owners, the Dewan Foundation, in the hope a breakthrough can be found.

Mr Rowley had asked if something could be done in the meantime and a letter to the Labour MSP from SEPA confirmed discussions were ongoing.

“We can assure you, however, that should these discussions be unsuccessful, SEPA would intend to recommence the appeal proceedings,” it stated.

“Whilst we appreciate that the historic waste deposits are an eyesore, SEPA can assure you that there is a low environmental risk associated with the waste deposits in their current state.

“SEPA is aware of recent deposits at the site and officers have begun an investigation. To be clear, these deposits are new and are not covered by the statutory notice which is under appeal and would require separate enforcement action as may be appropriate.”

A spokesperson for SEPA told the Press they remained “firmly focussed” on finding a solution for the removal of historic waste from the Lathalmond site.

“A notice was served by SEPA in November 2021, requiring the removal of the waste,” said the spokesperson. “This notice was appealed and is now the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

“SEPA officers continue to work with partners to investigate incidents of fly-tipping in the area, which are unrelated to the original waste. Fly-tipping can be reported to the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line online via www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/DumbDumpers or by phone on 0300 777 22 92.”