Scotland Beach Radium Clean-up: UK MOD to Pay Up

Former UK Prime Minister and local MP Gordon Brown says that he welcomes the Ministry of Defence (MOD) agreement to pay costs of the radium contamination clean up of Dalgety Bay and estimates it will cost 10 million pounds.

The pollution resulted from dumping 800 WWll wartime planes with radiated dials and other hazardous equipment, and subsequent coastal erosion that has brought the pollution to the surface.

A town meeting of Dalgety Bay community has been called for July 21st by the Community Council. This will see the community vote on the Ministry of Defence’s plan to clean up radiation from the beach.

The MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath said: “After three years of intensive campaigning, including four debates in the House of Commons, I welcome the Ministry of Defence’s agreement to spend what I believe will be 10 million pounds to clean up the pollution caused by radiation at Dalgety Bay."

“I also welcome the three-phase operation that will remove dangerous radiation, cover up areas where further coastal erosion may occur and build a new slipway for the sailing club."

He said: “The people of Dalgety Bay have been very patient and now will welcome consolation on the details of their proposals. “I am satisfied that the Ministry of Defence is going to fund the clean up costs. At the same time I want an accelerated timetable so we don’t have to wait another four years before the pollution is removed and we are satisfied that the risks have been dealt with."

Source: Blog – Gordon Brown MP