ABANDONED vehicles left on country roads or in public parking places is a growing problem in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard that 219 vehicles had been abandoned in the district over the past 12 months.

Councillor Alistair Bain said he had come across a problem with a car being left in a spot for a considerable time which was apparently taxed but had no steering wheel!

He told the committee: "This is really a very frustrating situation whereby the car appears to be 'legal' but also looks to be abandoned."

Community Inspector Gavin Cameron said that if vehicles were situated in a dangerous position or causing an obstruction these would have to be removed. However, some vehicles are 'dumped' and need to be investigated before action is taken.