Cardenden resident: '˜Dust problems are making our lives a misery'

Fiona Souter lives opposite the RWE Innogy UK Ltd run processing and storage plant in Cardenden, which, see says, is being plagued by wood fibre dust particles that constantly cover everything from vehicles to garden furniture and other outdoor items.

Despite reassurances that the particles offer no risk to health, and that the dust does not even constitute a nuisance, Mrs Souter is so concerned she is taking up the issue with the Health and Safety executive.

“Council officers have been out and deemed it not to be an issue,” she told the Fife Free Press.

“But the dust is that thick on my car some mornings that I just can’t accept that having that in the environment around us, isn’t posing some sort of risk.”

Roy Stewart, Fife Council’s senior manager protective services last week reassured residents that all complaints were being taken seriously and that officers responded to every call made by the public.

However, Mrs Souter has called for a comprehensive programme of dust monitoring for the area to determine once and for all what, if any, risks the problem may have.

“A comprehensive method of monitoring is vital in order to fully understand what is being blown through this community,” said Mr Souter.

“I, along with representatives of Cardenden Community Council, will attend a meeting with plant owners next week and monitoring, as well as the need for a competent method of dust suppression within the site, will be high on our list of priorities.

“We can’t go on as we are. Action needs to be taken.”

A spokesman for RWE Innongy UK Ltd., confirmed that £150,000 had already been spent on dust suppression technology, and welcomed the chance to discuss the issues further with residents.