THE importance of developing mountainbiking at Lochore Meadows Country Park was spelled out to Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

And councillors heard that the Meedies was fast becoming the hub of biking in Fife.

The committee was asked for £30,000 from the Local Community Planning Budget towards improvements to bike trails at the country park as moves continued to make it a mecca for cyclists.

A report prepared by Craig Munro, Fife Council’s executive director for Education and Children’s Services; and Grant Ward, head of Leisure and Cultural Services, pointed out that the Meadows has a mountain bike trail and a skills loop, but that strong winds in 2011 had caused considerable damage to these and this has not been repaired and as such part of the trail was closed.

It added, “There are three proposed phases for the development of the trails and phase one is the immediate repair and upgrade of existing trails and adding new local trails.

“Phase two includes additional loops that would extend the length and variety of rides within the park suitable for all different skill levels while phase three would create additional trail links further around the loch area and provide more choice for different users as well as enhance and promote links to Lochgelly, Blairadam and Loch Leven.” During phase one improved drainage would be put in along with improvements to Harran Hill Descent, and the Armour Trail along with adding wooden features.

Phase two would seek a an agreement for permanent access across the field linking Whitewood to The Avenue and Harran Hill and build a natural feel trail on the north shore, while phase three would see improvements to links with Lochgelly, Blairadam Firest, Benarty Hill, Loch Leven and Fife routes beyond Loch Leven.

The report added, “The initial investment will be used to repair and upgrade all areas of the existing trail network.

“This will benefit existing local users, the outdoor education team and also ensure an attractive venue for visiting cyclists.

“Discussions have already taken place to attract further funding to create new trails suitable for events such as the Scottish Cross Country series which is coming to Lochore Meadows for the first time in August.” Cowdenbeath Councillor Peter Lockhart said that the Meadows ticked all the right boxes for mountain biking and attracted a lot of people to the facility.

His colleague Councillor Alistair Bain added, “This is definitely a good project and I would ask if there has been any consideration of an off road biking track?” He was told that it was one of the initiatvies being looked at and Lochgelly and Cardenden Councillor Mark Hood said, “There is a real opportunity here to strengthen the park’s credentials.” It was unanimously agreed to give the £30,000 that was requested.