PLANS to enhance sport and recreation facilities in Crossgates have been binned after a public vote.

Crossgates Village Park (CVP) group’s proposals to upgrade Humbug Park, the home of Crossgates Primrose Football Club, and a large grass area at School View were officially rejected on Thursday night.

Ideas included an astroturf pitch, as well as play and recreation facilities for all ages, and the charity’s aims to encourage public participation in sport, advance education through a learning facility and progress community development in the area, were set out in a constitution.

The proposals were put out for public consultation, locals were polled and the results came in on Thursday night, with a resounding 65 per cent voting against the plans.

A statement from the group said: “CVP has always maintained that any change should be both for Crossgates and by Crossgates, ie wanted by the community.

“In view of this CVP will now dissolve and monies provided by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust will be returned.

“The CVP wish to express their thanks to all who took the time to complete the survey irrespective of opinion.

“It is only through this knowledge we were able to make this decision.

“The CVP also wish to convey their thanks to all who have assisted and supported the cause through the years and hope that Crossgates will still see the improvements that are needed for the benefit of all our residents irrespective of age and personal sporting / hobbies preference.”

Local councillor Alex Campbell was “disappointed” that locals voted no and said: “The outcome was that the village did not want to proceed with the planned proposals to put in new sporting and recreational facilities in the area, albeit there was a balance of support for the second phase of the project (School View).

“At a heated public meeting in November 2018 it was stated if the public voted in this way the group would accept it.

“I’m upset at the outcome. Here we have a community with members of the public who have worked hard over the last 10 years to achieve an outcome for the Crossgates community, that are now disbanding.

“Crossgates needs more facilities and CVP were driving this forward.”

Councillor Gary Guichan commented: “This decision is disappointing as the CVP have given many years of selfless commitment to try and bring improvements that would have benefited the whole community, but especially the younger people of Crossgates.

“Also with current, and probably future, council budgets there seems little scope for the council to develop additional facilities around the park, meaning that, ultimately, it will be the village that lost out.”

Fellow councillor Alistair Bain, said: “The result is disappointing for the CVP as some of the members have been working on this project for a considerable amount of time.

“However the consultation has come back the way it has.

“I sincerely hope that at least some of the members will join other groups in the village to take forward other projects that will not only benefit the people of Crossgates and Mossgreen but also have their approval.”

Tory councillor for Cowdenbeath, Darren Watt, said: “I am disappointed for the CVP group who’ve worked tirelessly and selflessly for several years trying to enhance and improve community amenities in the village.

“Credit must go to each and every one of the members for their passion, commitment, time and efforts.

“But at the end of the day, the community have spoken and resoundingly rejected CVP’s plans.

“I however very much hope this isn’t the end of the matter and I hope other options are explored.

“A village the size of Crossgates, that is is home to many young people and families, deserve somewhere on their doorstep where they can play, socialise and spend quality time together.”