CALLS for a barrier to be erected in an effort to keep Gypsy/Travellers off of unsafe land in Kincardine have been rejected.

Residents in the town had appealed to the community council for a blocker, to prevent caravans and motor homes from entering the green space near Standalane.

Gypsy/Travellers had set up a camp at the land on the corner of Standalane and Riverside Terrace, remaining for a few days before being asked to move on by Fife Council.

Kincardine Community Council had appealed for the barrier to be put up, voicing concerns for the stability of the land.

Donald Capmbell, chair of the Kincardine Community Council, said: “Residents spoke to us and said they wanted a barrier to stop entry and gaining access to the land.

“Our concern for the land came from the mine subsidence in the area. In the past, the Gala Day had to move from the area due to the weight of the trucks.

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“Fife Council said that there’s mines under the land and the vans being there could disrupt the land.”

The green space near Standalane is currently privately owned by a company called Kex Holdings, who are responsible for the area.

Fife Council were able to ask the Gypsy/Traveller camp to leave the land, but were unable to put up a barrier preventing the land being used.

Donald went on: “There was concern when the vans set up but Fife Council acted swiftly.

“The easy thing to do to stop it happening again is to stop people gaining entry in the first place.”

Fife Council have dispelled chances of a barrier being erected, primarily due to the local authority not having control of the land.

The matter was taken on board by Sam Steele, Fife councillor for West Fife Villages, who raised the issue with the council.

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She contacted the team manager for the relevant department, but was told it “Was not as easy as to put in a gate.”

Cllr Steele further explained that she was told “travellers know all the access points through the internet – fencing and gates around the park would be required which would be a costly project and there is maintenance around the fence line.

“I will not take any action at this time.”