MSP Alex Rowley has demanded a full and comprehensive investigation from the Scottish Government into the conditions and workings at the Mossmorran petrochemical complex, near Cowdenbeath.

The Labour MSP has criticised the continual and increasing breakdowns at the site which have been causing havoc and severe anxiety for local residents.

This comes after further unplanned flaring incidents in recent weeks, leaving the operator, ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd, to shut down Fife Ethylene Plant for a month in order to allow investigations into repair work that may be needed.

Mr Rowley said: “It is time for the Scottish Government to step in and find out just what is going on. It is unacceptable for local people to still have to put up with this with little being done to address the core problem.

“We need answers as to why the plant is, not only, continuing to break down, but answers as to why incidents have been increasing over recent years.

“ExxonMobil claim that Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran is one of Europe's largest and most modern ethylene plants – yet there appears to be a continual stream of breakdowns that have been causing severe anxiety for local residents".

He added: "There is a very real and genuine fear about the safety of this plant in the communities surrounding it and I am asking the Scottish Government to listen to these communities' concerns and join my call for a full investigation into the plant.”

SEPA has changed its variations on the operating permits for the two plants at Mossmorran and wants them to ensure that stack flaring will be consigned to the history books.

Jacob McAlister, plant manager at FEP said at the weekend: “We are committed to delivering this comprehensive, multi-million pound programme. In fact, we have already made significant progress on a number of the commitments.”

“We are prioritising the 12 steps that can help prevent the need to flare, while the final two – including a new flare tip and ground flare or equivalent to meet BAT – are technical solutions to minimise amenity concern on the occasions when flaring is required.

“Our key process actions have already delivered benefits, as was demonstrated during our planned flaring event in July, when we significantly reduced the size of the flare itself and the length of time it was operating.

“Work on the planning process with Fife Council for our new advanced flare tip due for installation next year is also underway. This technology alone can reduce the noise and vibration compared with our current flare.

“We are pleased that SEPA has recognised the significant levels of design and engineering required to safely deliver all our commitments on BAT, but we are committed to working together to optimise timescales.

“Communities can be assured that we are taking the action needed.”