Call to arms for public to help shop fly-tippers across Fife

Kirkcaldy’s leading councillor has called on members of the public to play their part in tackling fly-tippers.

Neil Crooks, convener of the Kirkcaldy area committee, said that Fife Council could only tackle litter louts if the public provided assistance to the local authority.

It followed a report to councillors highlighting the cleanliness of local streets.

While 76% of the town’s streets are designated as up to standard, Mr Crooks said that tackling waste dumped next to recycling points was critical.

“The chances of catching people without help is very slim,” he said.

“We want people living near recycling points where flytipping is a problem to give us information as this is bringing the standards of our town down.”

Meanwhile, the prospect of a so-called “deep clean” of the town’s High Street is unlikely to take place imminently due to the costs.

Mr Crooks said: “I think we did a deep clean four years ago and it cost £25,000 and a few months later you would wonder if we had ever been there.

“We want the High Street to be the best it can be, but obviously we can’t throw money at it from the area budget.

“That would be impossible, but there is definitely a conversation to be had.”

Praising the work of staff, council co-leader David Ross added: “Looking at performance indicators they are still comparable to the national average and when budgets are under pressure and you have to protect education, social work and social care, then the people that get hit are parks and open spaces. They are doing a remarkable job.”