Traffic lights for Dunfermline's Bothwell Gardens roundabout

Fife Council are going to instal traffic lights on the Bothwell Gardens roundabout, close to the city's main railway station, with the project likely to start in April.

Works at the intersection of a number of busy roads will lead to some disruption but the plans also include restricting access to the car park at the rear of St Leonard's Parish Church, for up to 16 weeks.

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A letter to parishioners from the church's session clerk, Sheila Leel, read: "The temporary partial and / or full closure of the rear car park will impact access for our youth organisations, holiday club, fellowship groups, businesses that use the church halls, any events planned in the church, our own programme for internal building repair works and our Sunday worship services and planned meetings."

Fife Council want to use the Woodmill Street car park as a site compound while the works are taking place. (Image: Google Maps)

The signalisation of Bothwell Gardens roundabout, as well as resurfacing works and upgrades to the traffic signals at the Nethertown Broad St / Moodie Street junction, is part of a previously announced £37 million package of traffic improvements planned in Dunfermline.

The church's property convener was told a large area of the car park would be needed for a site compound to include welfare facilities, portacabins, plant and machinery, vehicles and storage of site materials.

Mrs Leel said there's a fear this could end up being 20 weeks "if other unforeseen works are required" and the church have already expressed their fears to the transportation service and raised the issue at the kirk session.

She wrote: "As a kirk session we have major concerns about this restriction and people safety in the car park when in use as a base for heavy equipment and vehicles associated with major roadworks and we continue to be in touch with Fife Council.

"If you share our concerns please consider also contacting Fife Council, and your councillor, about the impact of this proposal on you, your group / business.

"You can log online or write a complaint to Fife Council. Perhaps they will reconsider!"

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There's already at least one objection with Jan Hamilton telling the Press: “I take my granddaughter to Guides on a Friday night and it is hectic getting a suitable drop-off and pick-up space.

"I am aware that there are over 200 children using this church car park each week.

“I am really concerned about the safety to our local children, where do we drop them off or pick them up if this car park is taken over by the council?”

Fife Council are to instal traffic lights at the Bothwell Gardens roundabout in Dunfermline. (Image: Google Maps)

The church is on Brucefield Avenue and the rear car park is accessed from Woodmill Street.

Mrs Hamilton added: "Brucefield Avenue is already a nightmare as it is a T-junction and obviously used by local residents.

"Have these residents been informed about the impact this could have on their street?

"Will Fife Council take responsibility if a child is injured due to this decision?"

Mark Dewar, a service manager at the council, told the Press: "The start date for this part of the work depends on Scottish Power works being finished first.

"We hope the work can begin in April.

"While the work takes place we don't have any plans to close the St Leonard's car park completely.

"We are only proposing to use some space, for necessary site welfare units and materials."