Community teed off overbeach restrictions

Fife Council has come under fire over disruption caused by a golf event which restricted access to Kingsbarns beach.

Crail Community Council has added its voice to criticism of arrangements for the Ricoh British Women’s Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

The beach car park was closed for eight days around the Major at the start of August, a time when it is usually busy with families and holidaymakers.

Organiser IMG has already been accused of causing misery for residents but the community council says the council and local politicians should shoulder even more of the blame.

It demanded that no further competitions be allowed which limit access to the beach, its car park and Fife Coastal Path, without public consultation and agreement.

In a letter to a local councillor, secretary Max Taylor said the community was “treated with contempt” by event organisers.

He said: “Access to the coast and beach at Kingsbarns is not a concession but is a public good and it is, in our view, not something that can be restricted for commercial gain.

“We feel, however, that the strongest criticism must lie with Fife Council for agreeing to the access restrictions associated with the event, and for failing to take steps to ensure local engagement and benefit.”

Kevin Smith, from the council, said: “IMG’s application for a closure for the women’s open was a fair one and we responded accordingly.

“It was only approved after very extensive communication and consultation with the Kingsbarns community and community council.”

Kingsbarns Community Council said the only complaints it had received since the tournament were about the plane filming the event and it has asked for feedback at its next meeting on September 4.

The event led to restricted access to the beach.