FIFE MSP Alex Rowley has asked for clarity from the Scottish Government on what the plans are for the re-opening of recycling centres.

At a Scottish Parliament virtual question time on Thursday, Mr Rowley highlighted to the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell, the rise in flytipping taking place across Fife, and Scotland in general, and locally, the Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly facilities at Cuddyhouse Road and Cartmore have been out of action for six weeks.

Commenting on the issue Mr Rowley said: “It is important to be measured in our response when re-opening public services back up during the coronavirus pandemic – but plans for lifting restrictions on recycling centres need to be looked at.

“There have been news reports of police having to guard illegal flytipping sites, which is clearly not the best use of their time, because of the huge rise in the number of people dumping rubbish.

“SEPA and Zero Waste Scotland have launched a new campaign highlighting the fact that not only is flytipping a crime, but it presents a serious hazard to people and the environment. Local authority resources are already stretched to breaking point and as such fly tipping could really threaten the availability of services to other areas of the community in need of support".

There have been several incidents of fly-tipping locally with 100 tyres dumped near Crossgates and a massive amount of rubbish scooped up by volunteers in Lochore.

Added Mr Rowley: “There are many considerations that need to be looked at, but plans need to be put in place for public services such as recycling centres, and guidance needs to be given to local authorities from the Scottish Government on how to manage opening these services back up so they can be used safely.”

 

 

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 Times on your PC, phone or tablet ready to read whenever you want. Just click the ‘E-Edition’ tab under the Times masthead on the homepage of this website.

Thank you,

Simon Harris, Fife Group Editor