Following reports, assurances have been given to locals the water at the Kirkcaldy beach is perfectly safe.

Debate began when a water sample taken by SEPA at the beginning of June at the Seaside Award-winning beach showed 'poor' water quality.

Fife Council, SEPA and Scottish Water have highlighted to the Press heavy rainfall could be a possible reason for the failure as wet weather means increased flow through the sewage outfall pipes.

A Scottish Water spokesman explained : "The SEPA report on a recent sample recognises that it was taken at a time when the water was likely to be affected from heavy rainfall. This heavy rainfall may lead to increased flows from our outfall pipes and also raises the effect that animal waste and bacterial loading from farming can have on subsequent water quality in the sampling area."

SEPA's Ian Buchanan, Unit Manager Fife Environmental Protection and Improvement Team said: "Seafield, like many sites throughout Scotland, frequently has excellent water quality. However, it is one of the currently designated bathing waters where water quality is known to deteriorate after heavy rainfall.

"Results throughout the season can be influenced by weather conditions, particularly following heavy rainfall, when short pollution events can occur.

"SEPA will work closely with Scottish Water to understand the impact discharges from the sewerage network has on the bathing water. This will help to identify if any improvements are needed in order to ensure excellent results through the bathing season.

"This bathing water is now designated and it is therefore likely to get higher priority when investment decisions are made in the future."

Since the poor result at the beginning of June subsequent samples taken, the latest of which was on July 16, have all shown improvement and in several cases, excellent water quality.

Robbie Blyth, Beach and Coastal Officer reaffirmed the water at Seafield Beach had passed a number of tests and was perfectly safe despite the failed result on June 3.

He said: "Since June 3 a further eight samples have been taken and no failures have been registered. Over all Seafield in 2006 and 2007 received excellent readings.

"Fife Council, SEPA and Scottish Water, are monitoring the situation on a regular basis and are committed to ensure that Seafield, and all other designated bathing sites in Fife, attain the highest water quality possible."

Seafield beach picked up it's first Seaside Award earlier this year from Keep Scotland Beautiful which hands out the accolades in recognition of good bathing water, facilities and litter management at both rural and seaside resorts.

If another Seafield sample fails this summer, the beach runs the risk of losing it's award and would be unable to apply for an accolade next year.