PM to be told of 'grave concerns' over oil

COUNCIL bosses are to write to Prime Minister David Cameron to express their "grave concerns" about ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth.

Earlier this month fears of an environmental "disaster" were raised after the UK government announced a review of new restrictions set to come into force in April 2011.

Now the council's transport committee has agreed to write to the Prime Minister following a motion by Green councillor Steve Burgess.

The local authority is also expected to provide a submission to the recently announced UK government consultation on the matter.

The new regulations had been brought forward after Edinburgh North & Leith Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz tabled a private member's bill, prompted by fears of a disastrous oil spill.

A controversial proposal by SPT Marine Services to transfer 7.8 million tonnes a year of crude oil between ships in the Forth was withdrawn in February 2008 after the government promised regulations.