Hanvey's concern over Leuchatsbeath dangers

The local MP is supporting constituents concerned about the safety of people and pets who use the woods. He has been in contact with Fife Council about the issue and Police Scotland are aware of concerns.

There has also been problems with motorbikes and quads in the Kelty area.

This is an issue that blights woodlands across Fife and beyond, with police repeatedly urging the public to help them clamp down on the antisocial behaviour by reporting any incidents.

Neale Hanvey said: “Driving dirt bikes and quad bikes in public woodlands not only poses a risk to other folk, but the drivers are also putting themselves in danger.

“People should be able to take a relaxing walk in Leuchatsbeath Woodland without having to fear for their safety.

“But this isn’t just about stopping the bikes. I get it, people want to drive these bikes and it doesn’t address the problem just to say, not here. They’ll just move on somewhere else.

“We need new facilities close to our communities where folk can safely ride quad bikes and dirt bikes, and these need to be free for youngsters.”

A local resident, speaking under anonymity, said: “Leuchatsbeath Woodland used to be a lovely, peaceful place for families to walk with children and pets.

"However, now you have to be on constant lookout for dirt bikes and quad bikes being driven dangerously.

“As well as groups of children and adults racing around the woodland on off-road bikes, I have witnessed a quad bike being driven by two unsupervised children, under the age of ten, while another child ran back and forth in front of the quad bike. Obviously, their safety was at risk and so was that of anyone walking nearby".

The resident added: “A dog was killed by an off-road biker in Fife a few years ago and, over the last few years, a number of pedestrians in the Kingdom have been seriously injured by dirt bikes.

“The reckless behaviour of these people means that it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident in Cowdenbeath.”