Popular Fife park blighted by vandalism and thefts

Silverburn Park has been used for fly-tipping and motorbike riding in recent weeks, while thieves have stolen valuable plants and logs and wood chips that were supposed to be used to improve the park.

Duncan Mitchell, general manager at Fife Employment Access Trust, which runs the park, said the incidents, most of which have been minor, have increased during lockdown.

“It’s disheartening for the staff who have worked hard on the park,” he said.

“It just feels like we’ve achieved an awful lot here, and this just sticks in your craw.”

Despite the incidents, there has been a lot of positive news from the park.

Staff are preparing to work at the park seven days a week, while there has been a rise in the number of people offering to volunteer.

Information from monitors at entrances to the park have shown that Silverburn is now getting around 500 visitors on foot and 100 in cars every day, compared to just 100 visitors in the months before.

“People are using it as a refuge and an area for exercise,” said Duncan.

“We want those people to continue coming after the lockdown.”

FEAT’s plans to transform the old flax mill into a visitor centre, restaurant, hotel and cafe, with historic displays, have taken a step forward.

New designs are expected in June, which will be followed by a new consultation on the plans.

However, the are concerns over a funding gap, with fears that potential funders might focus on Covid-19 projects in coming months and years.