ANNABELLE Ewing has hit out at the decision by Fife Council to press ahead with the controversial visitor centre element of the Lochore Meadows Country Park improvement project, in the face of local opposition.

On Tuesday Fife Council's Executive Committee took the decision to give the new visitor centre the green light on a 10-6 vote.

This was despite amendments from the SNP and Conservatives to put the project on hold.

Ms Ewing, MSP for Cowdenbeath, said: “The people of Benarty have been badly let down by Fife Council.

“Even the leader of the Council has admitted the consultation was flawed and his failure to engage in a meaningful way tells the people of Benarty everything they need to know about this Labour-led Fife Council.

“Local democracy is ill-served by the dismissal of significant local concern with weasel words and talk of splits.”

She added: “Fife Council have sold the Meedies and the people of Benarty short.”

The decision was taken after lengthy discussion by councillors on the merits of giving the go-ahead and delaying the construction of a visitor centre.

This motion was approved by the Executive Committee by 10 votes to 6 and 2: "Committee notes the changes to the management arrangements for Lochore Meadows Country Park and agrees to formally award the contract for the new visitor centre and integrated club house/changing pavilion.

Committee further agrees that under standing order 50 (10) this decision cannot be called in as it would prejudice the council's negotiating position with a third party, but that the appropriate scrutiny committee should be asked to examine the process whereby the proposals for the new visitor centre and integrated clubhouse/changing pavilion were developed with a view to learning lessons for future projects."