I AM writing to express my support for two of the Cowdenbeath Area councillors, namely Lea McLelland and Rosemary Liewald, who are urging Fife Council not to implement a different travel plan in for pupils in the Benarty area to Lochgelly High School.

The current policy has been in place since 1987, yes that's right 1987, the date of the school opening.

To give a piece of local history, at that period there was great concern about transport arrangements to the High School because of the roadway having various twists and turns, not only that but it was very busy with fast vehicles and only one pavement. That is where things have got worse, however.

I was, at that time the Regional Councillor for the villages of Ballingry, Lochore, Crosshill and Glencraig.

The Dunfermline District Councillor representing Lochore, Crosshill and Glencraig was Joe Paterson and we worked well together with our over-riding aim community politics, so we both made representation to Fife Regional Council and on June 25 1987 the school sub committee recommended the present route be implemented because of the dangers of pupils walking to school.

Councillor Tom Dair was supportive of this, as chairman of the Education Committee, and that policy of travel continued for years, when again there was a proposal to make the pupils from Benarty walk to Lochgelly High.

Once again Joe and I were involved in opposing the proposal to change the agreement on travel.

I contacted the then leader of the council administration, Councillor Alex Rowley, expressing the concerns of the families in Benarty.

I later learned that the change would not take place and the transportation of pupils to Lochgelly High would remain.

Now, after 32 years, it has again reared its head. Now I can appreciate that the council has suffered under financial cuts which have happened over the years by Westminster.

These cuts affect the Scottish Government and councils. Only Westminster is responsible, they are responsible for the purse strings of us all.

Over 32 years the traffic has got faster and bigger, the dangers are now worse than ever.

Decisions are being made on distance, but what about the dangers. Last week, not for the first time, Brian Menzies and myself, went down to Glencraig to witness the situation.

We saw the speed of traffic and the larger vehicles were quite frightening and we would urge the councillors of the Area Committee to have a look at what happens and others on the full council committee involved to have a look before they consider their decisions on this safety matter which also worries parents and grandparents.

In my opinion, the road from Ballingry to Lochgelly High School is now more dangerous than at any time before.

This is only a recommendation, but I would urge Benarty residents to lobby their politicians for it will be them who can have an influence on the decision.

Finally what would the savings be, this is simply one that cannot be made.

WILLIE CLARKE,

Navitie Park,

Ballingry.