THE Benarty Boundaries Group were delighted with the decision made on Thursday that ensures Glencraig is totally under Benarty Community Council's jurisdiction.

This follows a consultation period when the council asked people to put forward their views on whether the current boundary, which put half the village in Lochgelly and half in Benarty.

The campaign wanted the boundary put back from the Fitty Burn to south of Lochgelly to its historic site south of Lochgelly High School.

And two of the strongest campaigners, Willie Clarke and Brian Menzies, while pleased with the decision by Fife Council's Community & Housing Services Committee, hope that they will be able to join with the new Lochgelly Community Council after March's election and discuss a whole host of issues which would be of benefit to both communities.

The Boundaries Group said this week: "We wish to thank all the groups and individuals in the Benarty area and beyond who helped in our campaign for the restoration of the boundary for Benarty Community Council, bringing all of Glencraig into the Benarty community where it belongs.

"The Benarty Heritage Preservation Group provided a lot of detailed information on the history and boundaries of the communities and helped draw up the map which was submitted to Fife Council.

"We wish to thank all members of the Boundaries Group who campaigned for the change and who persuaded members of the public to sign our petition.

"We thank all the members of the public who signed the petition and supported the desire to have Benarty as one community council."

Brian Menzies said: "It was good to hear the decision being in the affirmative and it is the result of a lot of work by many people.

"It was excellent to see people locally and abroad pledging their support."

Willie Clarke added: "I think the fact is that maps don't make boundaries, communities do and that was an important factor.

"Now we are looking ahead and it is excellent that voting will take place for a new community council in Lochgelly in March and once it is established it would be excellent if the Benarty and Lochgelly communities could work together on many issues which are so relevant to both."