I’m concerned that the area committee which looks after Benarty has had to contribute £20,000 out of its own budget for the clean-up of the former Community Centre site, in Ballingry.

To comply with relevant Health & Safety Regulations, when buildings and sites are demolished and cleared it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that, insofar as is reasonably practicable, the site is safe.

Where this is not possible the owner of the site, presumably Fife Council, has to ensure that the site is protected from anyone, no matter what their age, gaining access to it. This raises a number of questions.

First, why was the site not left in a safe condition? If it had been the accident just before Christmas would surely not have happened.

Second, as owners of the site, why did Fife Council not ensure the site was safe and why did they not prevent possible access?

Third, why has it taken so long for Fife Council to carry-out clean-up operations?

Finally, why is the Area Committee having to pay for the failings of Fife Council, who together with their Contractor are solely responsible for this problem?

Brendan J Honeybun.

Benarty.