Grenade found at Leven allotments

Allotment holders have been warned against digging their plots following the discovery of a grenade and other Second World War devices.

The bomb disposal squad has been called out twice this month to Silverburn Park in Leven.

Earlier this month an army bomb disposal unit was drafted in when a gardener found a grenade.

Fife Council said the finds had prompted a ban on vegetable patches being cultivated until they can be assessed by specialists, and have advised plot holders to do no more than water their crops.

Peter Duncan, allotments officer, said: “We’ve been made aware of two incidents involving plot-holders digging up wartime devices.

“Based on professional advice, we’ve arranged for a specialist company to carry out a site examination.

“Plot-holders can still access their patch but we’ve advised them not to cultivate until we have the results in case more devices are in the ground.”

The site of the allotments, opened earlier this year as part of redevelopment of the park by Fife Employment Access Trust, was used for training by Polish soldiers during the war.

When the grenade was found the area around the allotments was evacuated while it was disposed of.

Police Scotland confirmed it was a historic item and that there was no danger to the public at any time.

Leven, Kennoway and Largo councillor Colin Davidson said: “I don’t think they are going to find any live ordnance devices but the council is taking extreme precaution because children use the allotments. Pupils from Parkhill Primary School are there regularly.

“Officers are going beyond what is expected of them to make sure the ground is surveyed properly.”

Peter Duncan: Warning to plot-holders.