THE £1m plus sports hub in the village of Lumphinnans will open in early October but local a councillor has called for an inquiry into the seven month delay from the completion of the project to its opening.

The facility, at the foot of Gagarin Way, came about through the planning gain from the now failed Tesco project in Cowdenbeath, with the complex replacing North End Park which was the site for the proposed new superstore.

Fife Sports & Leisure Trust have only taken over operation of the facility in the last few weeks. They’re currently working to get their equipment on site, train staff and meet with local clubs to update them on the progress.

The new sports hub is due to become fully operational from 12th October and something to mark the occasion will be arranged for soon after.

But Councillor Gary Guichan is most unhappy that it has taken so long to get the facility up and running, "The new superturf football surface, caging and pavilion were finished before the end of last winter but the hundreds of potential users out there have been waiting to get a chance to use it.

"To have to wait seven to ten months to have it operational seems wrong and I will be asking the Chief Executive of the council to carry out an inquiry into what has caused the delay.

"This will be a magnificent addition to the area's sporting facilities but it should have been up and running before now."

Councillor Mark Hood, Executive Committee Member, thinks that the new facilities will really enhance what’s on offer.

He said, “Thanks to the contribution from a section 75 planning condition, investment was secured to deliver a new full size 3G synthetic turf pitch here at Gagarin Way with changing facilities and car parking.

"This new football hub will open to the local community next month and I have no doubt that it will be a popular addition to our sports facilities in the Cowdenbeath area and look forward to seeing it being enjoyed by players of all ages!”