SOME Crossgates residents are concerned that a community group's plan to bring better leisure facilities to the village could see the loss of their only large parkland area and perhaps also the village gala.

Crossgates Village Park (CVP), has been developing a set of proposals for the future of School View and Humbug Park, off Windmill Knowe.

Crossgates Village Park has been in discussions with the local community and Fife Council about acquiring a 40 year lease for School View and Humbug Parks.

They are of the opinion that the village deserves better facilities than it currently has and these two areas would be ideal for enhancing what is available.

CVP are currently in the middle of a consultation process, but a group of residents are worried about the ultimate results of the idea.

One of those is Jim Patterson, who lives in Windmill Knowe, who is particularly concerned about the possible loss of School View Park as it is.

He said: "One of the biggest elements of the CVP plans is turning School View into a facility with an astroturf football pitch and changing accommodation.

"That would mean the excellent village asset which we currently have, which is used by children playing football, people walking dogs and equally as important, the place where the Crossgates Gala fun activities take place, would disappear and be replaced by a football facility.

"Where would gala day come to a climax if there was no School View?

"There were 1,000 people at School View Park just a few weeks ago when the gala parade reached there, if there is no park for that will it be the end of the gala?"

He added: "There already is a football park at Humbug, why could the astro facility not go there? It would surely make more sense.

"Also there are questions about how the football facility at School View would be factored as bookings for use of it would have to be taken and payments logged and the general upkeep would have to be taken care of.

"In the documents put out by CVP we cannot see anything about how these would be handled."

Mr Patterson went on: "Fife Council appear to be backing the CVP proposals, I just wonder if they have looked closely at the Business Plan for there are several parts of it where funding seems uncertain.

"There is mention of funding from the Muir Dean Trust, but currently this is not a totally secure source as being a member of Crossgates Community Council I know that there are a number of uncertainties about the amount of money that will be available for village organisations.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions which the proposals throw up and really need to be answered.

"We have had discussions with council officials and CVP people without really getting any hard and fast answers."

CVP secretary Paul Laidlaw said: ""CVP welcomes all views and we are committed to engaging with all sections of the community and at present we are working with Fife Council who are running an independent consultation on draft CVP plans.

"We would encourage everybody to get involved and give their views as these will decide the future direction of CVP. If we are successful in acquiring the lease from Fife Council the Trustees will work to access a wide range of funding opportunities to improve amenities at Humbug and School View Parks as a community controlled and managed asset by Crossgates for Crossgates.

"The draft CVP outline business plan contains an overview of the financial, management and maintenance aspects of acquiring the lease from Fife Council. CVP plans include working with the gala and there are no plans under consideration that put the location of the gala at risk. Indeed, all future plans will be subject to further consultation with the people of Crossgates to ensure CVP activities reflect the communities priorities. "Anyone with any concerns is welcome to get involved, attend meetings or become a Trustee and help shape the exciting opportunities and future direction of CVP".

Fife Council Team Manager Gary Daniell commented: "We want to support the people of Crossgates to develop the best facilities possible for the whole community to enjoy.

"Consultation is underway and we welcome views from anyone interested in how the village park can improve. We will consider all ideas and proposals put forward and encourage people to pick up questionnaires from Crossgates Community Centre, Crossgates Primary school and local shops.

"You can also take part online here www.fifedirect.org.uk/consult and look for the consultation on Humbug and School View parks."