Vandals force closure of visitor centre at Lochore Meadows

Vandals have forced the closure of a new visitor centre and sports pavillion at Lochore Meadows.
Willie Clarke opens the visitor centre, named after him, in April. Pics by FPAWillie Clarke opens the visitor centre, named after him, in April. Pics by FPA
Willie Clarke opens the visitor centre, named after him, in April. Pics by FPA

Large external windows at the Willie Clark Centre, which was only officially opened to the public in April, were smashed and a serving hatch in the kitchen area damaged during the early hours of Tuesday.

The extensive damage meant the centre had to be closed to the public during the busy school holiday period.

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The centre, which was opened by former councillor and champion of “The Meedies” Willie Clarke, who it is named after, includes a visitor centre with two education rooms, a cafe, outdoor decking area and toilets, as well as a sports pavillion for golf and football, with changing rooms and retail and coaching services.

The opening ceremonyThe opening ceremony
The opening ceremony

Sarah Roxburgh, Fife Council’s team manager for community use, said: “Large external windows were smashed and a serving hatch was damaged at the visitor centre, causing extensive disruption at a particularly busy time.

“The centre, which only opened in January of this year, is well-used and highly valued by visitors and the local community.

“Our teams are working extremely hard to completely repair the damage and the mess left as quickly as possible, and we aim to re-open in the next few days.

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“These events are upsetting for local communities, especially our children and their families, and staff. We are working to make sure that we minimise the impact of this senseless vandalism.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Police in Fife are investigating following a report of vandalism at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

“The incident was reported at around 3.05am on Tuesday 16 October when a number of windows were found to have been smashed.”

Anyone with information about this is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0316 of 16 October, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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