Cycle path from Crossford to Dunfermline in works

Alongside Fife Council, the group has applied to Sustrans, a charity which supports traffic-free paths, for funding.

According to organisers "anybody" could use the path, including pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair-users.

However, issues over funding applications and locations have caused problems.

Dunfermline Central councillor Garry Haldane has been involved in the project since the start, and hopes an appropriate route will be chosen soon.

He said: "There were five routes but they have discounted one already.

"One of them starts in Crossford, goes up to Woodmill farm and then goes all the way along to William Street.

"The next one, you come out of Crossford and there is a right of way just opposite the cottages which leads up to William Street.

"The next one is going down between the cottages to the right of way that comes out at the bottom of Coal Road.

"The other one follows the main road, where the path is at the moment.

"At the moment, Crossford Community Council need to make their application to Sustrans, they haven't got funding for them this year but they will possibly next year.

"They need to get that application in first."

Alastair Hibbert has been helping the community council to organise their efforts but has expressed frustration at Fife Council over the project, to be named Carnegie's Way.

"Fife Council keep changing direction and if the application to Sustrans isn't picked up in May then we could lose out for another decade," he explained.

"It's not just about Crossford, it's about connecting the West Fife villages to Dunfermline.

"The council have been putting it off for a decade – it's just been going on and on.

"We had a route planned but the landowner didn't want to sell – the whole thing is just a shambles.

Mr Hibbert also noted that there had been talks of a cycle path when he lived in Crossford in the 1970s, though nothing ever came of it.

This time, he fears a list of difficulties will once again stall plans.

"The landowner is asking that we go around the land boundary – it is ludicrous, you just wouldn't do that.

"Alternative routes do not comply with Transport Scotland criteria, including issues with gradients and exclusive use, farm vehicles go up and down those roads – can you imagine if a combine harvester met a mobility scooter!

"All routes go across the landowner's land, I would ask why they are so resistant in helping the community.

"It is a very serious situation, Sustrans could tell us to resubmit because the plans are not complete, this is something we have been working on for two years, and that could set us back a decade."

The charity is due to review its application for funding in May, though, according to Mr Hibbert, because of Fife Council's delays, issues with the application, such as a lack of supporting statistics, may mean the project is put off again.

Cllr Haldane also voiced concerns, due to funding and location.

One of the routes is currently a "thoroughfare" for farm traffic, and others could be denied because of issues with inclines and bridges to cross running water.

The landowner and Fife Council have already taken the community council's preferred route, which would cut across the fields.

Susan Keenlyside, service manager at Fife Council, said: "We're delighted to be working with Crossford Community Council on this important project to encourage people to walk or cycle between Crossford and Dunfermline.

"The community council is taking the lead in attracting external funding for the project which will be needed if it's to go ahead, along with contributions from the council and other partner organisations.

"In the meantime, we are supporting the feasibility work on the route which is needed before any technical design work can start."

The project has full support from Cairneyhill Community Council and all community councils west of Dunfermline, as well as MP Douglas Chapman, seven MSPs and all Dunfermline and West Fife councillors.