A TOTAL of 22 new bin lorries are set to join Fife Council's fleet as efforts continue to improve services across the Kingdom.

The new refuse collection vehicles follow investment aimed at reducing disruption caused by existing lorries breaking down and spending an increasing amount of time off the road for repairs.

Some are service replacements while others will boost the fleet to help better accommodate routes that are difficult to navigate in some of the current lorries and other operational changes.

As part of that investment, Fife-based Farid Hillend Engineering has been awarded the contract to supply 13 new refuse collection vehicles.

A total of 22 new bin lorries are to be added to Fife Council's fleet.A total of 22 new bin lorries are to be added to Fife Council's fleet. (Image: Fife Council)

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, explained: “Farid Hillend Engineering, based in Dalgety Bay, has recruited an additional 20 positions to meet their customer demand.

READ MORE: Controversial booking system for tip to be scrapped

"They also continue to work closely with local colleges to promote opportunities to students who are coming to the end of their formal qualifications.

“Using our spending power locally, in accordance with our procurement obligations, means we’re not only better supporting the local economy but investing in it.”

Cllr Altany Craik welcomes Fife Council's new refuse collection vehicles, supplied by Dalgety Bay firm Farid Hillend Engineering.Cllr Altany Craik welcomes Fife Council's new refuse collection vehicles, supplied by Dalgety Bay firm Farid Hillend Engineering. (Image: Fife Council)

Sales director Paul Brown added: "We are extremely proud to have been awarded the contract to supply 13 of our Powerlink refuse collection vehicles to Fife Council.

"It's great that this has created more employment opportunities for the Dunfermline area, with us recruiting new talent to our team as a result.

"We are actively involved in Scotland's Young Person's Guarantee initiative, and in an apprenticeship programme to provide training and job opportunities to local school and college leavers.

"Equally it's good to be able to offer careers to more experienced, skilled operators from within the local community. This is a really positive partnership for Fife."