Residents in the town's Dunnikier Estate say that if they are allowed to go ahead they will take away one of the most picturesque areas of the park, adjacent to Dunnikier House Hotel and behind Kirkcaldy High School.

It is frequently used by local schoolchildren for geography trips and picnics, mothers for taking their children to play, as well as dog walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Three pensioners who are all extremely concerned about the possible loss of the public land have now set up a petition calling for the land to remain in the public domain.

The petition states: "As residents of Dunnikier Estate, we are of the opinion that the proposed development on the green area bordering the land leading to the golf course and hotel should be rejected. The parkland should remain public open space for the benefit of the community."

Jean McAndrew (84), Mary Ross (76) and Ann Salmond (76) have all lived on the estate for around 40 years and say they have all enjoyed the use of the land for walking dogs and taking their children for picnics.

"What they are proposing is that this area of land, which is about the size of a football pitch, is divided into 32 plots, each with a shed on it, and that the whole area is fenced off," said Mrs Salmond.

"There would be no public access to the site and cars, which have never been allowed on this area before, would have access."

"This land has always been open to the public and it is one of the most beautiful parts of the old Oswald estate and we don't think it should be taken away from the public for allotments," explained Mrs McAndrew.

"Everyone on the estate has their own gardens and it is going to bring a lot of people in from outside the area, as well as giving access to vehicles, which we don't think is very safe for all the children."

A planning application to create the allotments has received several objections, including one from Kirkcaldy North Community Council which is holding a public meeting on Tuesday (October 6) in the community hall of Capshard Primary School at 8 p.m. to discuss the issue.

The council has objected on the grounds of loss of public amenity, traffic concerns in close proximity to footpaths used by unaccompanied children, and close proximity of compostable materials to housing causing smells and attracting vermin.

Dunnikier House Hotel has also objected to the plans saying it is currently discussing extension plans with Fife Council which would require additional parking on the adjacent land, which could clash with the allotments.

Anne Brown of the Kirkcaldy Allotments Group, which has submitted the planning application, said: "We do not want to upset anyone with these plans and would like to work alongside the local community.

"We will have representatives along at the meeting on Tuesday to answer questions on the plans and hopefully allay some of the fears and mis-information which is going around."

Anyone wishing more information about the petition can contact 267394.