A FIFE councillor is calling for action to address the use of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes in Kelty.

Cllr Alex Campbell says that the bikes in Blairadam Park have been causing real concern for residents living in the area around the park.

He has written to Fife Council and Police Scotland calling for action to address the levels of anti-social behaviour caused by the bikes. 

 “The noise from these bikes can be overwhelming," he told the Press.

"Residents tell me they have to close windows in the house in an attempt to drown out the noise levels and sitting outside to enjoy relaxing in the garden is impossible when the bikes are racing around the park.

“Residents of the area say they have reported this to Fife Council and Police Scotland, but they feel nothing seems to get done.

“Whilst this issue has reared its head in this area over the years, this summer seems to have got even worse with bikes in the park on a daily basis and it can go on late into the evenings.”

He added: “I want there to be a clear message to those causing this anti-social behaviour and that is, it is not acceptable and I want the public authorities to take a zero tolerance approach.

"Residents have told me that they have counted as much as seven of these bikes in the park at one time and have even witnessed vans pulling up in the car park and off-loading bikes to be used in the park.

“This is simply not acceptable.”

As previously reported, quad bikes have been an issue in Lochgelly and Oakley.

Patrols have also been carried out in Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay in West Fife.

Cllr Campbell added: “We need to see a multi-discipline approach to tackling these issues. Police Scotland have said they are increasing patrols in the area and I very much welcome this and would urge the public to call the police and report every time these bikes are in the park.

“I also want the council who are responsible for the park to look at what actions they can take.

"Blairadam Park, a former quarry and brick works is a beautiful open space for the community of Kelty to enjoy and those who are carrying out these illegal activities need to understand it will not be allowed to continue”.

Cowdenbeath Community Policing Inspector Michael Booker said: “We are aware of reports of the illegal use of off-road motorcycles on public ground in the Kelty area and are committed to tackling this dangerous, antisocial behaviour. 

“Those involved face prosecution with the potential of incurring fines, driving bans and, in certain circumstances, prison sentences. Vehicles which are seized may also be destroyed. 

"While we work closely with partner agencies to identify those involved, we continue to ask for the support of the public in providing us with descriptions of vehicles, identity of riders, and places where off-road motorbikes are being kept or fuelled. These pieces of information are invaluable.

“We would ask anyone who has any information about incidents of illegal or dangerous use of vehicles to get in touch with us via 101.”

Fife Council safer communities manager Dawn Jamieson confirmed that the team would step up patrols in the area and liaise with police on any issues.