THE man who has followed the Lochore Meadows story from pit bings to country park has called on better communication between the council and community to ensure that Fife's biggest tourist attraction has a sound future.

Fife Council's Executive Committee will meet on Tuesday to decide on the new management structure for the Meadows after the decision by the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust to withdraw from running the facility.

Willie Clarke, 43 years a councillor in Benarty, this week said that it was imperative that the council came to speak to the community organisations about the way ahead for the Meedies.

Two public meetings held before Christmas saw people air their concern at a lack of consultation with community groups about the design for the new visitor centre at the park.

Mr Clarke, who retired from being chairman of Cowdenbeath Area Committee in May last year, said that while the past is important it is the future which is critical now.

He said: "The whole situation has really saddened me. I can remember when people said in the late 1960s that a country park could not be constructed out of pit spoil.

"Well it was and over the past 40 years its popularity has seen over half a million people a year visit the park.

"OK now we have problems over the final design of the new visitor centre and also the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust as the management of the facility, but this is a time for discussion and sound decision making, for it must be remembered that the park is one of Fife's biggest assets."

He added: "We need the council to take the communities of Benarty, Kelty and Lochgelly with them in the decision making that is to be made.

"That can only be achieved by dialogue and if the local authority can take the communities with them this can be an unqualified success.

"If the council leader, David Ross, and chief executive, Steve Grimmond, can come and talk with the community groups who are so committed to the success of the park people will be surprised with what can be achieved.

"But time is short, the message has to be 'let's work together' and make Lochore Meadows Country Park even better." See also Page 10.