Fife Council can do better on planning

Sir, - You reported the dispute around no cycling signs erected upon the Lade Braes, St Andrews.

Whether or not cycling is permitted there is a yes or no question solved by reference to the relevant legislation.

However, if there is a safety issue, it should be addressed.

Reports suggest that the signs were removed by the council without informing the landowner beforehand.

If this is the case, then it appears that due process has not been followed.

Signs erected in contravention of the access legislation are dealt with by Section 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which requires that the landowner is notified about any remedial steps required before the council takes action.

Failure to observe due process further erodes Fife Council’s reputation which has taken a battering recently.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman ruled against it recently in relation to a fly-tipping matter and criticised it over the handling of the West Port Hotel pergola in St Andrews.

The Court of Session struck down the council’s planning application for Pipeland Farm and the Standards Commission suspended Councillor Brian Thomson over his failing to declare his interests in that matter.

One can only hope that the next council administration will seek to improve upon this poor record. JS Gamba. 35 Lamberton Place, St Andrews.

David Middleton of Lade Braes Walk in St Andrews by one of his cycling signs.