Locals claim an eyesore mess, motorbikes and quads are spoiling a Kirkcaldy park

Some residents in the nearby Chalet Park recently contacted police about the problems as they believe it is only a matter of time before someone is injured.

One, who didn’t want to be named, said he can no longer take his dogs for a walk in the woods at Dunnikier Way for fear of either himself or his pets being hit by a motorbike or quad.

He said: “Paths throughout the wood are being used by motorcycles and quad bikes as a race way.

“We can no longer take our dogs for a walk for fear of the dogs being hit and we don’t feel safe ourselves.

“It is only a matter of time before either dogs or members of the public are injured.

“The problem with the bikes and quads has been going on for two to three years but it has been getting worse. I haven’t contacted the police myself recently but I know for a fact my neighbours have.”

He said there are also worries about young people gathering in the woods and leaving behind mountains of rubbish.

He continued: “Youths in large numbers are congregating in park by the viewing platform where vast amounts of alcohol are being consumed by some who are definitely under age.

“Fires are being lit in the woods, and bottles are being smashed with cans scattered.

“ The problems with youths has always been there but recently the numbers have increased.

“The noise has increased along with the consumption of alcohol and there is always a mess left.”

He added: “The problems have lately been escalating and it is always in the afternoon/evening.”

Kirkcaldy North councillor Neil Crooks, who is convener of the town’s area committee, said he hadn’t received any complaints recently from locals about the problems with bikes or quads in Dunnikier Woods.

But said: “Over the years there have been many instances of unwanted activity in and around the woodlands of north Kirkcaldy.

The police are very keen for the public to provide information on such activity to help identify the culprits and rid us of the threat being posed. “With reference to large crowds at the viewing area there are telltale signs of activity, carrier bags, crisp bags cans and bottles which suggest people have been partying and leaving their rubbish behind.”

Cllr Crooks added: “This park is designed to encourage wildlife and this pond area could support frogs newts and other creatures,but that is under threat by rubbish.

“I would appeal to people using the park to be aware of the wildlife.

“It takes little effort to put stuff into carrier bags and dispose of the waste in the bins provided.”

Police confirmed they had treceived complaints from residents – and said they would act.

Inspector Gordon Anderson of Kirkcaldy Police Station said: “We know that anti-social behaviour has a disruptive effect on local communities and will act on any information we receive.

“We are aware of concerns raised by the community in the area near Dunnikier Woods and officers carry out regular patrols of highlighted areas.

“We will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and any offences identified.

“Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact police by calling 101 as promptly as possible.”

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