Kirkcaldy MSP demands action for Kinghorn Beach
Kirkcaldy’s MSP David Torrance has met with the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin MSP, to raise serious concerns about the ongoing water quality issues affecting Kinghorn Beach and the risk that the beach could lose its designated bathing water status if improvements are not secured.
Mr Torrance sought the meeting at the Scottish Parliament following months of engagement with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water and residents who have expressed growing concern about the long-running contamination issues affecting Kinghorn Beach and the Lady Burn.
Following the meeting, Mr Torrance said: “Kinghorn Beach is one of Fife’s most valued natural assets and an important part of our local community.
“Residents are understandably frustrated that, despite years of investigation and remediation work, this issue remains unresolved.
“I met with Gillian Martin to make it absolutely clear that the current situation cannot continue. We need every agency involved to work together with urgency to identify the source of the contamination once and for all and deliver a permanent solution.
“I appreciate the considerable efforts that have already been made by SEPA, Scottish Water and their partners. Investigations have been carried out, sewer repairs have been undertaken, cross-connections have been removed and extensive monitoring has taken place.
“However, local people rightly want to see results and tangible improvements in water quality.”
Mr Torrance has been actively involved in discussions on the issue since earlier this year, arranging meetings with both SEPA and Scottish Water after concerns were raised about the continuing poor classification for Kinghorn Beach and the impact on the community.
Scottish Water have confirmed that further work will be undertaken to continue investigating the source of the contamination and identify any additional measures required to resolve the problem.
SEPA has also stated that ongoing sampling and monitoring will continue in an effort to better understand the pollution sources affecting the catchment.
Mr Torrance added: “Kinghorn has a proud coastal heritage and the beach is enormously important to local residents, swimmers, water users, families and businesses.
“The prospect of losing bathing water designation would be a significant setback for the town.
“I’m encouraged that Scottish Water has committed to undertaking further work to pinpoint the source of the problem and explore what additional action may be necessary.
“I will continue to press all parties involved until a lasting resolution is found.”