Fire-raisers and litterbugs have turned part of a Fife village into a dumping ground, it has been claimed.
Concerned Cardenden residents have called for a halt to illegal dumping and youths gathering under a railway viaduct amid fears for wildlife and the environment.
SNP councillor Rosemary Liewald said she had been contacted by a number of people angry about the mess beneath the viaduct, which is next to a footpath leading to Hyndloop Terrace.
“Sadly we have seen this area turned into a dumping ground with broken glass, plastics and other debris,” she said.
“This is also a gathering spot for youths who are involved in fire setting, including burning our constituents’ wheelie bins.
“This also poses a threat to wildlife and damages our environment.”
She added: “There is absolutely no excuse for people dumping their rubbish at this site.
“It is unsightly and affects the quality of life for local residents.”
Cardenden Community Council has also expressed serious concern about the situation.
Chairman, Dave Roy said the worst case scenario would be pollution of the local environment.
“It also encourages others to dump more waste,” he said.
“People are even throwing bags of rubbish into the area, including used nappies.”
Mr Roy said the community councillor was looking at preventative measures to stop the dumpers and had asked Fife Council to do everything possible to catch those responsible.
“They obviously do not care about the impact of their actions on the environment and the cost to the taxpayer for cleaning it up,” he said.
A community payback team recently carried out a massive clean-up of the area and, according to Ms Liewald, made a huge difference.
“Please, please let’s do all we can to keep it this way,” she said.
“We live here. Let’s be proud of where we live.”
Dawn Jamieson, Fife Council’s safer communities team leader, said: “We are aware that this area has had some issues with young people and anti-social behaviour and it is an area already patrolled by our officers.
“I’d like to remind the public that anyone caught fly tipping could face a fine of up to £200.”
Fly tipping can be reported to Fife Council at  www.fifedirect.org.uk
