A DUNFERMLINE mum has hit out after experiencing "a complete disregard of safety" at the city's Christmas lights switch-on.

The parent contact the Press after attending the event with her children and joining in the parade with a local dance school.

Slamming the organisation as "absolutely appalling", she explained: "The parade halted as we reached the Seven Kings. At first I thought it was just a bottle neck but soon realised that it was because the crowd had spilled from the pavement onto the road blocking the parade route.

"We were stuck in the crowd with a number of young children. Security then tried to move us off the road to let the horse through!

"There was absolutely no regard for the safety of the young people who were asked by the organisers to be part of the parade. More concern was given to the horse.

"In the end I had to grab my children and push my way through the crowd. It wasn't dissimilar to being in a mosh pit!

"Many of the children were visibly shaken and upset. I'm utterly disgusted in the complete disregard of safety for the participants. Fife Council should be ashamed!"

Fife Council's Community Manager for Dunfermline, Andrew Gallacher, said he was aware that there had been some people disappointed following Sunday's event.

"Our aim was to create a fun-filled, family Christmas event and we hope the majority of people who came along enjoyed their day," he said. "We welcome all feedback and we've created a survey to help us improve what we do next year.

"I understand that there have been concerns raised about crowd management on the day and that's something the council and our partners will look into for future events.

"I can only apologise to anyone disappointed with their experience at the event and we will take that feedback on board for next year."