Crosshill 'eyesores' could be new Meadows gateway

Published 4 Aug 2010 11:30 0 Comments

Share this

TWO Lochs councillors want the owners of two "eyesores" in Crosshill's Main Street to work together to create a "fitting gateway" to Lochore Meadows.

Councillors Willie Clarke and Alex Rowley have raised concerns over the Meadies Neuk site, which was demolished several months ago after a public campaign and petition which garnered 1000 signatures.

The land belongs to Ian Sneddon, but the councillors want the rubble left on-site cleared up.

They are also unhappy over the previous garage site next to it, belonging to Ian Douglas, who has since moved the business to the Cartmore industrial estate in Lochgelly.

Mr Clarke said, "We have raised the matter with both building control and planning in an effort to resolve the problem.

"Surely the two property owners were well aware of the damage being done to the community.

"People living close by are faced every day with these eyesores and the properties are close to the entrance to Lochore Meadows."

Mr Rowley said Mr Sneddon had two planning approvals for the Meadies Neuk site, both to build flats.

He added, "But there isn't a market for housing right now and he's not in a position to develop it - that's no different from developers all over Fife.

"The reality is that he's not going to be in a position to build houses until things pick up.The other possibility is that he will sell the ground.

"Mr Douglas' former garage is lying empty and dilapidated - I think we certainly need to get the area tested for contamination and that it doesn't pose any risk or hazard.

"If we could develop both the sites together, we could certainly have a better development.But that's not in the hands of the council, but in the hands of each of the landowners."

Mr Sneddon confirmed he had the planning approvals but had no funding at the moment.

He said, "I've already taken the building down and spent a bit of money on it to appease the locals. The place is actually quite safe but there are no funds to develop it.

"It's up for sale and I might develop it myself if the climate turns around. I feel I have done my part by taking the building down and to me it looks very safe.

"At the end of the day people shouldn't be walking across it because it's private property."

Mr Douglas did not comment.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Central Fife Times Poll

Should Andy Gray and Richard Keys have lost their jobs in the Sky sexism row?

This Poll is now closed.

Yes (50.6%)

No (49.4%)

Follow @dunfermlinep