SCOTTISH Conservative and Unionist Councillor for Cowdenbeath, Darren Watt, is calling on officers from Fife Council and Fife Resource Solutions to immediately address the apparent issues that are preventing the immediate re-opening of Cowdenbeath Recycling Centre.

Both Fife Council, and site operators, Fife Resource Solutions, followed suit with other local authorities throughout the UK and closed all recycling centres during the initial outbreak of Covid-19. They have since re-opened all their sites, albeit with restrictions, except for Cupar and Cowdenbeath.

Councillor Watt fears Cowdenbeath’s gates will continue to remain shut for the foreseeable future with no real prospect of them re-opening again.

Councillor Watt said: “The ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of Cowdenbeath Recycling Centre continues as senior officials at Fife Council and Fife Resource Solutions fail to find solutions to their perceived concerns.”

“Road safety, unrestricted access, lack of staff and poor recycling rates are the reasons they have provided, but at no point have they given any meaningful assurances these are being addressed and that the centre will reopen soon.”

He added: “Many households have excess house and garden waste as well large goods, furniture and appliances.

"They are struggling to store such items safely at home and are desperate to dispose of responsibly but are still being prevented from doing so.”

Nearby Lochgelly Recycling Centre has been re-opened and is available 7 days a week by booking a slot via Fife Council’s website, however Councillor Watt remains unconvinced and described it as “unsuitable and unsustainable in the short, medium and long-term.”

Councillor Watt concluded: “At a time when we're seeing increased fly-tipping and dumping, Fife Council and FRS should being doing everything they can do support the tens of thousands of decent residents throughout the area who want to responsibly recycle and should be making it easy and convenient for them to do so.

“The very thought the centre may not re-open is truly worrying so I will continue to back local residents and do everything I can to get Cowdenbeath Recycling Centre opened at the earliest opportunity.”