Thornton road closure: MP blasts ‘act of stupidity’ over signs with wrong info

The latest mea culpa came after contractors out up signs saying Main Street would be shut for 55 weeks, but that plan was scrapped after a massive backlash.

While work to demolish and rebuild the bridge is set to start on June 20, there will only be a single lane closure until October when the road will then shut completely for five months.

Putting up the signs was branded “an act of stupidity” by MP Richard Baker who castigated Network Rail at this week’s latest community meeting as it outlined its Plan B to try to keep the village open during the works which form part of the partial electrification of the Fife Circle line.

The signs were quickly taken down by an angry resident, but Mr Baker said: “I'll be contacting Network Rail to let them know my feelings on the matter. Hopefully mistakes like this won't be a sign of things to come as the project gets underway."

The Labour MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife said the memo that the 14-month closure had been significantly reduced “obviously didn't wind its way from Network Rail to the contractors setting up gear this week.” He added: “Locals are rightly angry, because folk driving through the village might not know the background to this and might take the information on the sign seriously. "Putting this sign up was an act of stupidity and the last thing Thornton businesses need. A five and a half month closure is bad enough for them without nonsense like this.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail Scotland said: "An incorrect road sign was briefly displayed in the area this morning. It has since been removed and will be replaced with the correct statutory signage, with further signs being developed with Fife Council to support local businesses. We apologise for any inconvenience or confusion caused."