MORE than 1,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the closure of Mossmorran.

Campaign group Actions Speak Louder Than Words, formed by local residents, are urging political candidates in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election to commit to closing the site and help create a just transition board.

“The Exxon and Shell Mossmorran petrochemical plants are devastating communities in Fife and around the world,” a spokesperson said. “It’s time for them to go. Mossmorran is the third biggest polluter in Scotland, with the combined plants producing 930,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2019."

They added: “Over the last few years the plant has repeatedly had periods of unplanned flaring, burning huge amounts of gas and causing distress to the community living nearby the plant.

“Residents have reported horrific health and social impacts including heightened anxiety, prolonged sleepless nights due to lights and sound pollution, itchy throats, coughs, asthma, skin irritation, headaches and migraines, nausea and sinus pain as well as many other issues.

“We are calling on all political parties standing in the 2021 Holyrood Elections to put a commitment to close Mossmorran and set up a Just Transition Board for Mossmorran, made up of local residents and workers, in their 2021 manifesto.”

The plant, near Cowdenbeath, consists of ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant and Shell’s Fife NGL Plant.

Both companies have previously stated they have no plans to close down.

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil told the Times: “Fife Ethylene Plant has played an important economic role in the local area for decades. We proudly employ hundreds of people, directly and indirectly, – and have done so for more than 30 years.

“We’re now investing £140m in the plant to improve our operations, helping to ensure they are quieter and less visible. This project alone will create 850 skilled contractor roles, providing a significant additional economic boost. This and other planned investments reflect our continuing commitment to Fife in the years ahead.”

Shell previously stated: "The Shell Fife NGL plant is a vital part of Scotland and the UK's energy supply, which millions of homeowners and businesses rely on.

"It is operated to high safety and environmental standards. As the energy system evolves, so is our business.

"Shell is supporting the energy transition through research and development, the development of new low carbon products, and our investments in low carbon technologies and ventures."