Toilet health fears leave Glenrothes park visitors peeved

Fife Council has been forced to rethink putting in toilets, provided throughout the summer for those visiting Riverside Park in Glenrothes and Balbirnie Park in Markinch, because it could not be sure the facilities would be completely safe.

Legionnaires’disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing the Legionella bacteria.

Discussing the issue at the town’s area committee, Councillor Bill Brown, committee chairman, said: “There are concerns regarding the health risks associated with standing water from the supply to these temporary toilets.

“We need to be satisfied that whatever is installed is completely safe and poses no risk to the public.”

Concerns were first raised in the summer of 2015, but despite efforts, an alternative toilet facility has yet to be found.

Commenting on the ongoing concerns Norman Laird, area services manager, said: “In recent years we have installed temporary toilets over the summer holiday period to cater for an increase in visitors.

“We’re hoping to do the same this year but, due to the design of these toilets, there are some health and safety concerns which need to be investigated.

“We’ll be keeping local councillors briefed on any progress.”