FIFE COUNCIL has still not bought the "ransom strip" of land needed to build a £20 million bypass and bridge serving new housing developments to the north of Dunfermline.

The purchase is expected to be made towards the end of this year ahead of a planning application for the bridge, which will cross the Fife Circle railway line.

The Northern Link Road will start right next to Halbeath Retail Park, cross the train line and head north, bypassing the city centre and coming out eventually in the west of Dunfermline at Milesmark.

The stretch of Kingseat Road up to the level crossing is owned by Royal London and initial attempts to buy it came to nothing.

However it looks like the project could now be moving forward with the council confirming it is "expecting" to complete the land purchase.

Kevin Treadwell, Service Manager for strategic development and infrastructure, said: "We're currently working to finalise the terms of the purchase of land behind Halbeath Retail Park. "The land is needed so that a bridge over the fife circle rail line can be built, which will provide road access to Taylor Wimpey's development.

"The bridge is being funded by developers with Taylor Wimpey building the road from the bridge, though their site, to Kingseat Road.

"We're expecting to complete the land purchase ahead of the planning application for the bridge being submitted, which is currently on track for the last quarter of 2023."

The Press reported last month that three weeks of roadworks would be taking place at Halbeath between the Lynebank and Lauder roundabouts to allow for resurfacing and the installation of a new pedestrian crossing.

The £310,000 project by Fife Council will connect to the M90 motorway junction 3, the A92 and Fife Leisure Park, making it easier for residents to walk to and from Halbeath Retail Park – which is due to be extended with nine additional shops including Lidl and M&S Foodhall.