Scottish Water takes action to tackle Lyne Burn pollution

Scottish Water has vowed to tackle problems with pollution in West Fife’s Lyne Burn following pressure from community campaigners.

Large volumes of sewagerelated debris have polluted the watercourse in recent years, causing misery for residents.

Following ongoing pressure from the community, Scottish Water has taken responsibility for the problem and identified the source of the pollution.

Defective storm tanks in the Rex Park are to blame due to a broken pump and large volumes of silt reducing their capacity.

Scottish Water has installed new pumps, fitted scum boards to stop rags entering the tanks and removed the silt.

Telemetry has also been installed which will alert Scottish Water when there are spills into the tank.

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MSP ShirleyAnne Somerville said: “The community campaigned for years to get this problem properly investigated, and it’s now clear that responsibility lies squarely at the door of Scottish Water.

“It’s simply unacceptable that such pollution has gone on for years because of poor maintenance.

“The broken storm tanks have been polluting the burn for far too long.

“Whilst these repairs are welcome, local residents deserve assurances that this will be a permanent solution to the problem rather than just a sticking plaster.

“It’s essential that the performance of the tanks is monitored on an ongoing basis, and should further action be required, it should be taken without hesitation.”