Lochore Meadows is to receive an annual increase in its running budget of £120,000 as part of the proposals contained within the Fife Council Labour Administration draft budget published last week. The proposal states; “Lochore Meadows Country Park is due to transfer from the Council to the Coast and Countryside Trust in the coming months but due to previous reductions in management and staffing does not have adequate budget to meet staffing requirements to drive and develop Fife’s Country Park. This on-going investment of 120,000 will support the Trust to manage and bring forward development proposals for the park over the next few years”.
Council leader and local councillor Alex Rowley who said; “It is important that we have the correct level of funding in place to ensure the Meadows has the best chance to develop over these next few years. There seems to be agreement by most that the potential for this area is great but we really need to bottom out and agree the best way forward. In the budget process we are also considering a one of investment for the following year to support the development of new facilities and in talks with the Trust we are exploring the options for opening up the access from the Kelty side although it is broadly accepted there will be no through road.
He concluded; “I am really keen to make progress and having much greater clarity on the options for taking the park to the next stage of development. We have on our doorstep one of the best outdoor facilities in the country and with a bit of vision and drive we can take the development to the next level. I am keen that local groups are involved in this development and will be discussing with the trust how best to achieve this”.
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Photo shows Alex Rowley in the Country Park
