A LOCAL councillor has said that travellers aren’t “leeching off of anyone” as Fife Council looks to upgrade their Kelty site.

Around £2 million is set to be invested at Thorntonwood and two other facilities after a report revealed them to be in poor condition.

Inverkeithing councillor Alice McGarry commented: “We would welcome any work being done to the sites. 

"They’re not leeching off of anyone – they pay rent just like every other council tenant.”

The local authority agreed to carry out the work at the Communities and Housing committee recently.

And committee convenor Judy Hamilton said there needed to be a better understanding of travellers and the camps. 

The Thorntonwood site on the outskirts of Kelty has 12 pitches, and although it meets minimum standards set by the Scottish Government, a council report confirmed it is one of three that is requiring upgrading.

Work has already started at Heatherywood in Thornton, with action set to take place between 2019-21 at Thorntonwood and Tarvit Mill in Cupar.

There are hard standing areas for caravans and a car, an amenity block with a toilet, bath and shower, a kitchen and storage areas. 

Travellers staying on the sites have tenancy agreements with the council and pay a weekly rent of £61. 

They are also required to pay Council Tax.

Fife Council’s head of housing, John Mills, raised concerns in his report over the lack of temporary sites in the region.

He said: “The other key issue in developing traveller sites is the management of unauthorised encampments. 

"Each year, a number of families travel to Fife and temporarily stay within the area. 

"As there are no recognised temporary sites within Fife, visiting travellers use unauthorised sites.”

He proposed that a review be undertaken to focus on the needs of travellers and if a temporary site could be established in the Kingdom.

At the committee, he admitted: “We have got a real challenge in establishing these sites. 

"We tried to set one up in Southfield Industrial Estate in Glenrothes. 

"The reaction from the local businesses and residents is what you can imagine.”

Cllr Hamilton said: “The whole subject needs education.”

Mr Mills added that he hoped the satisfaction level in travelling tenants would rise after work had taken place. 

He said: “We want it to be up at national level, but we know that will take a bit of time.”