Scores of angry Levenmouth residents have kicked up a stink over a sickening stench which has engulfed the area for a decade.
Wearing face masks and brandishing placards, they picketed a meeting on Monday between local representatives and Scottish Water at which the issue of the infamous Methil Ming was thrashed out once again.
The action was organised by Peter and Carol Meldrum from Methilhaven Road, who said their lives have been blighted by the stench.
Carol said the couple once regularly had parties in their garden but were now afraid to organise anything for fear the pong would sicken their guests.
”Even our three-year-old grandson Gregor is asking what it is and we can’t let him play in our garden. It’s time something was done about it,” she said.
They had the backing of MP Lindsay Roy, who said people’s everyday lives are affected by the disgusting odour.
”Despite assurances, we’ve really got nowhere recently,” he said. ”What broke it for me is when we got 29 complaints and Scottish Water came back and said they had no evidence it was from the treatment works. We’ve just been fobbed off.”
After the private meeting, which also involved MSPs David Torrance and Claire Baker and several local councillors, Mr Roy said the company had been left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in the community.
A spokesman for Scottish Water said the meeting had been constructive and that all complaints about odours were taken very seriously.
”We are currently investigating the potential causes of odours and are working closely with Fife Council and Sepa who are responsible for monitoring the odour performance at the treatment works,” he said.