Locals urge people to stop flocking to Fife beauty spot

A number of people have spoken of their concerned at the high numbers of people flocking to Dysart since the coronavirus lockdown began.

They feel too many visitors are putting them at a higher risk of catching the virus.

And some locals have said they don’t even feel comfortable going for a walk in their home town or even to a shop as the streets are being filled – day and in the evenings – with people not from the area.

Hazel Moore, who has lived in Dysart for six years with her family, said: “It is getting so dangerous.

“Without exaggeration I have seen around 50 people here over the course of a day. Our town is small so I know none of them are local.

“It isn’t just limited to people parking at the harbour either. They are also walking from Ravenscraig Park.

“I have had to stand at one end of the path and wait on people to pass – because if we all walk down at the same time we will definitely be to close for comfort. Paths are small and having to touch elbows constantly isn’t safe.”

She continued: “We have a care home here and have carers coming and going and it is just a huge risk – one that doesn’t need to be there.

“I won’t take my kids on walks now because it just adds to this, and I have heard elderly residents don’t want to go out to walk because of the amount of traffic coming through.”

Susan Bellfield, chairman of Dysart Community Council, said people are walking right through the town – not just to the harbour.

She added: “It is getting worse because the weather is getting better. I would love to go out into my front garden and do some work in it but it is right next to the path where too many people are out walking so I don’t feel comfortable.

“My husband, daughter and I would love to go out for a walk but we can’t because there are already too many people here.

Another local, Margie Robertson, said: “I have lived in Dysart for around 14 years and there has been an increase in cars coming here.

She added: “We all owe it one another to try and prevent the spread of Covid -19. Please, people, don’t travel in your cars to exercise.”

Councillor Ian Cameron, whose ward covers Dysart, said: “I have been contacted by several local people who have expressed dismay at the amount of people flouting government guidelines.

“Locals cannot work in their front garden because of the proximity and number of visitors. Some are even prevented from going out when they want to take their daily exercise. It is making self isolation worse for local people.I have made the police aware.”

Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan, Divisional Commander for Fife, said: “We are aware of local reports of people in Dysart failing to adhere to the current social distancing restrictions.

“We have dedicated patrols in the area and our officers are engaging with people, establishing their individual circumstances and explaining the risks to public health of failing to comply with guidance. We will always encourage compliance but, as a last resort, we will use the enforcement powers which are in place.”