Glencraig to remain divided by community council boundary

A Fife village looks set to remain divided by a community council boundary for the time being.

Members of Benarty Community Council were horrified to learn they represented only part of Glencraig.

It was long believed the group’s territory ran to the railway line at Lochgelly but maps from Fife Council show it actually stops at the Fitty burn running through the former mining community.

A request to redraw the boundary could have been made, but does not have the support of Lochgelly Community Council.

Benarty Community Council alleged boundaries must have been altered without consultation but the council insisted a full investigation found no change had been made to dividing lines since it was established in 1996.

Records from the previous district council which may have shown original boundaries when community councils were formed in 1973 are likely to have been destroyed, it said.

Committee services manager Andrew Ferguson said: “In terms of resolution of the issue, both community councils could, if they agree, seek a review of the current boundary.

“Otherwise, it would be a matter for either community council to raise independently when the scheme itself is next reviewed.”

Cowdenbeath area committee chairwoman Linda Erskine said the issue had caused consternation in the village but stressed Lochgelly Community Council’s indication it would not support a change.

Supporting Benarty Community Council, former councillor Willie Clarke said: “South Glencraig is as much part of Benarty as North Glencraig is.”