COUNCILLOR WARNS AGAINST RUSHING SKATEBOARD PROJECT
More thought needed for East Neuk scheme
A DREAM skateboard facility in Pittenweem could prove a disaster if it is rushed through, an East Neuk councillor has warned.
Mike Scott-Hayward slammed the Scottish Executive for its 'use it or lose it' spending policy which is seeing community projects 'steamrollered' through without other options be looked at because the money has to be spent within five months.
Councillor Scott-Hayward believes the skateboard park is being squeezed into an inadequate space at West Braes.
He said: "The project is one of many being rushed through in the wake of the 'underspend' money which comes with strings from the Scottish Executive.
"This whole thing is a rushed disaster. In this case, there are really only two ways to fit it in at West Braes and both mean the loss of other amenities."
He believes there are better sites although they may prove more costly.
Councillor Scott-Hayward went on: "I am very unhappy about the way this has had to be handled.
"I do not blame the officers who are doing their best given the imposed criteria. The problems are caused by the lack of genuine concern, understanding, and consideration and by a disregard for proper planning demonstrated by the Scottish Executive.
"I predict this rushed regime will have further consequences I foresee other projects facing mismanagement and hasty, even improper, decisions because of this politically-motivated financial haste."
His comments could pour cold water over the delight expressed by youth group Skatewize EN when Fife Council announced last month it would provide 20,000 to fund the scheme.
The Scottish Executive allocated 1.5million to the council in August to build up to 10 playparks in the Kingdom which must be spent before the end of the financial year in March.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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