Families being ‘terrorised’ by bikers while walking in woods

Concerns for children amid claims area getting used as racetrack

Families using woodland in Fife have been “terrorised” by bikers roaring through the area.

Councillors have raised concerns that people have been using the peaceful Valleyfield Woods as a racetrack.

There have been claims groups with motorbikes and quad bikes have been arriving in vans in High Valleyfield at a time when locals are depending on the area for their lockdown exercise.

Bobby Clelland, a Labour councillor for West Fife and Coastal Villages, said: “Women and kids are using the woods. It’s a vital resource for getting people out of the house.

“I don’t understand why people would meet up with a group of quad bikers, park up in another village and terrorise people in the local area.”

SNP councillor Kate Stewart said she had informed Police Scotland and the force confirmed officers attended the area on Saturday.

She said: “Local people brought it to my attention. If there are motorbikes and quads going through at great speed, there’s a risk to the children.”

Rab McKenzie, vice-chairman of High Valleyfield Community Council, said bikers on motorcycles and quads were using a field on the other side of the A985.

He said to get to the field they were parking their vans near St Serf’s Primary School and going through the woods, where there is an underpass.

Mr McKenzie said it was only a matter of time before there was an accident.

“A few years ago a couple of bikers hurt themselves seriously. There were broken bones,” he said.

“If they want to hurt themselves, that’s up to them. I’m more concerned about the people walking in the area, especially with this lockdown, when people are exercising more.”a

Picture: Kim Cessford. Councillor Kate Stewart at the start of the path that runs through Valleyfield Woods.