AFTER months of no flaring at Mossmorran things changed last night when the Fife Ethylene Plant had to start an emergency process after a gas leak.

The situation developed in mid afternoon when a small leak was discovered and the plant's safety system went into action.

Flaring started just after 5pm and will continue for most of the weekend.

A spokesperson for Exxon/Mobil, who operate the Ethylene Plant apologised for any in convenience cause to residents in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

Certainly the early darkness of late October saw the night sky all over West and Central Fife brightly lit by the flaring.

The spokesperson said: "Flaring is an essential part of the plant's safety systems and there is no danger at all to plant employees or any local communities.

"We anticipate that the flaring will last for approximately 48 hours as the necessary maintenance is carried out to sort the matter."

After the two week long flaring incidents of June there has been virtually none since then.

However, Exxon/Mobil are continuing to work with SEPA to minimise any impact of flaring on local communities.

MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Lesley Laird, is working with both SEPA and Exxon/Mobil to ensure that communications with the local communities on plant issues, including flaring are improved.