The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Kinghorn folk voice frustration at delays in repairs after flooding.
Councillor says road closures affecting delivery of essential services
Residents in a Fife community fear lives could be at risk because of delays in fixing a road which collapsed two weeks ago during severe storms.
Nethergate in Kinghorn remains sealed off more than a fortnight after the damage, which has left locals without bin collections or any access to vehicles.
Concerns have been raised the road closure continues to leave residents in both Nethergate and nearby St James Place at risk as paramedics and fire crews would be unable to attend if there was an emergency.
Councillor Kathleen Leslie, who described the damage as looking like an “earthquake” had struck, said delays in getting the road open are unacceptable and has urged Fife Council to do more to safeguard residents.
She said: “I find it quite shocking and incomprehensible that it’s taken Fife Council two weeks to even acknowledge the issue, especially considering the sheer scale of the damage and its close proximity to homes, as well as the concerns raised about emergency access.
“The day after the storm I went on a walk around the worst affected areas in the town and the Nethergate and St James Place had experienced the road being broken up and becoming impassable.
“I have since reported this on three occasions to Fife Council and I know that other residents have too.”
“Residents have not had their bins emptied as it is not possible to get the lorries down the road.
“It also means that anyone who has been relying on home deliveries of food is going to be struggling to receive those.
“Couriers are unable to get access to houses at the bottom of the road while cars cannot drive down and park.
“In short, it is making life very difficult for those who reside there.”
It’s understood council transportation officers have now assessed the damage and met with residents.
Service manager Bill Liddle confirmed parts of the road collapsed when a water main burst during the recent severe weather.
He added: “We will be carrying out repairs soon as possible to allow vehicles access to the harbour area and James Place.”
“Residents have not had their bins emptied as it is not possible to get the lorries down the road. COUNCILLOR KATHLEEN LESLIE