Call for urgent repairs to Kinghorn road

The Nethergate from the railway intersection to the promenade at St James Place has been shut for the past fortnight after the road collapsed and pot holes appeared following a burst water main as a result of the recent stormy weather.

Concerns have been raised by locals as the pot holes are getting bigger and residents have not had their bins emptied as refuse lorries can’t gain access. There is also a worry that if there was a fire or medical emergency, services would not be able to get through.

Local Sandy Duncan said: “The council was due to look at it yesterday (Wednesday) but the road continues to deteriorate.

“The houses on the promenade have no vehicle access. Deliveries and workmen are unable to access and if there was a fire or medical emergency, fire engines and ambulances would not have access. Our refuse has also not been collected for two weeks and the current rain is making it worse.”

Cllr Kathleen Leslie, who represents Kinghorn, said: “The day after the storm I went on a walk around the worst affected areas in the town and the Nethergate and St James Place had experienced the road being broken up and becoming impassable. I have since reported this on three occasions to Fife Council and I know that other residents have too.”

“Two weeks on the Nethergate remains closed and the pot holes get bigger. Residents have not had their bins emptied and anyone who has been relying on home deliveries of food is going to be struggling to receive those. Couriers are unable to get access to houses at the bottom of the road. Cars cannot drive down and park in spaces allocated for residents.

“A few police cones were put in place around the worst of it but that is it. Nothing else. What happens if the emergency services are trying to access any houses at the harbour?”

She added: “More rain is forecast and that will only make the problem worse. I find it quite shocking and incomprehensible it has taken Fife Council two weeks to act.”

Bill Liddle, Fife Council service manager, confirmed parts of the road collapsed when a water main burst during the recent severe weather. He added: “We will be carrying out repairs to the road as soon as possible to allow vehicles access to the harbour area and James Place.”