CONCERNS over local groups being charged high prices for using Lochore Meadows Country Park has seen the local MSP approach Fife Council.

Over the past few weeks the Times' letters page has contained comments from readers about their concerns that the Benarty Events Group has received a fairly sizeable bill for the use of the park for the pipe band competition and they will also receive a similar invoice for Sunday's gala.

They aired concerns that the volunteers might give up if costs were too great.

MSP Annabelle Ewing has written to the Chief Executive of Fife Council expressing her concern at the levying of charges on the Benarty Events Group for the use of the Lochore Meadows Country Park, despite the fact that there is a review and investigation currently ongoing into such charges.

Ms Ewing said on Thursday: “I was extremely concerned and disappointed to learn of these latest developments regarding the charges that have been levied on the Benarty Events Group for events that have been held in Lochore Meadows Country Park.

“This whole matter was supposed to be under review and investigation and I have urged Fife Council to confirm that the charges notice that has been issued will now be withdrawn until this whole matter can be properly resolved.

“The Benarty Events Group – and other groups like them - do a power of work for our local communities and it would be bizarre indeed if Fife Council was to be pricing them out of the Meedies when the park is supposed to be a community resource for the benefit of all.”

At Wednesday's meeting of Cowdenbeath Area Committee it was confirmed that a review of all charges for facilities, such as the holding of events at the country park, was ongoing.