COUNCILLOR Linda Erskine has asked Fife Council officials to investigate the levels of noise from the Lochgelly race track on Saturday night.

There was a weekend of high speed action with Hardie Race Promotions (HRP) hosting “arguably the biggest fixture in the Scottish stock car racing calendar” at the venue, but she said that the local residents were the losers with a number of complaints made.

The Lochgelly and Cardenden councillor said, “Whilst not a fan of the said sport I understand that it comes with a certain amount of noise. However, I have received many complaints from residents in my area.

“I live in Haggis Ha’ which is a fair bit away and downhill from the complex and personally heard the sound after 10.30pm – and that was certainly the case for those residents with young children and older people throughout the town.

“The noise was excessive and sustained far beyond what is reasonable and residents are regularly having to put up with it, and not just because there was an easterly wind on Saturday.

“My understanding is that this business has ignored planning rules before and continues to do so. Why then is there no action being taken against the owners - is there no recourse to a penalty?” Councillor Erskine continued, “This racing track was approved before I was a councillor but I was at the meeting as a member of the public and remember it was sold as something which would bring benefits, including economic benefits, to Lochgelly.

“This has not been the case. Indeed there have been constant complaints from members of the public about noise and the unsightly environmental impact. This obviously affects all the wildlife around the area, especially nesting birds at this time of year. There are traffic issues too when the meetings are on.” She went on to add that councillors have requested a report to the Cowdenbeath area committee and said she hoped that all complaints will be reflected in the report.

HRP did not comment before we went to press.