Revealed: Fife's worst fly-tipping site

Is this the worst fly-tipping site in Kikcaldy – perhaps even, Fife?

The Mitchelston Midden is an ugly mess – and traders operating nearby want it cleaned up, and made secure.

The site on Myregormie Place used to be home to Production Glassfibre.

Today it is a vast piece of wasteland covered in debris.

There are huge piles of rubbish dumped across it – everything from kitchen equipment to broken toilets, refrigeration units, builder’s rubble, boxes galore and even a settee.

The fencing which should secure its perimeter has either been torn down or simply flattened by the depth of the rubbish.

Ironically, one of the few pieces still standing contains a sign urging people to report instances of fly-tipping.

The rubbish is piled several feet deep in places and stretches the entire length of the vast site.

In pictures: Fife's worst fly-tipping site revealed

Traders contacted by the Press say the problem has been getting worse, and the presence of so much rubbish is attracting more fly-tippers.

The site sits behind Kirkaldy Garden Centre and parallel to the busy A921.

It is an ugly neighbour to Smith Anderson’s site, and a number of businesses whose premises back on to it.

It is strewn with discarded, smashed up electrical goods – one freezer has the branding of a national company emblazoned on it – and furniture.

A huge patch of charred ground is evidence of fires – burned out metal containers have been left abandoned.

It has been a long-standing problem since the factory closed and burned down in a major blaze over a decade ago, but the problems are getting worse.

Traders told the Press that travellers moved on to the site around six months ago, tearing down fences to park on the large concrete area. They were moved on, leaving behind some rubbish which has simply escalated as fly-tippers have turned up.

“They see the rubbish and they just add to it,” said one.

A portable cabin on the site has been set on fire several times adding to the mess – the most recent blaze was a few weeks ago.

The land was home to Production Glassfibre Limited which produced moulded parts for a huge variety of products which ranged from homes and cars to wind turbine blades, and even diving boards for the Olympic Games in London.

Police and environment agency probe shocking fly-tipping in Fife town

The building was razed by a huge fire in December 2010.

A total of 35 firefighters battled the blaze through the night, and nearby residents were warned to keep their windows and doors closed as a foul smell hung over the area.

In 2011, the company secured premises in Glenrothes, and then relocated to Chorley in England.

In 2018 the company’s owners, W.L. Cunliffe (Southport) Limited, went into administration.

In May, a last call was made to creditors to written submissions by the beginning of June.

The Press understands the council is in dialogue with the site’s new owners.

Dawn Jamieson, Fife Council team manager, said: “Unfortunately, in these challenging times, when our services are already under pressure, there are a growing number of reports of fly tipping around Fife. Everyone is responsible for their own waste and must dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

“We have been heavily involved in this particular site and are working with SEPA with support from the local community police to tackle the issue and pursue the offenders.

“Enquiries are ongoing at this time and we continue to carry out investigations. Our officers have also been in touch with the new landowner and have been advised their intention is to clear and secure the land.

“There’s no excuse for fly-tipping, which is a blatant disregard of the law and of our outdoor environment. No one wants to see rubbish dumped. It has a direct impact on the condition of our roads, parks, wildlife and communities.

“Our recycling centres are now open again and we would urge people to make use of these facilities,”

As of last week, the Land Registry of Scotland shows that the site is owned by Calringnose Limited. The business owner is listed to a registered address in North Queensferry.

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