Council Election 2017

East Neuk & Landward

Fife’s picturesque East Neuk is a magnet for holidaymakers and tourism is vital to the local economy.

But the area’s attractive sandy beaches and historic buildings have meant it is a victim of its own success.

An estimated 80% of homes in Elie are second homes and a two-bedroom flat could set you back more than £180,000.

Those living there all year round face issues including high house prices and being cut off from amenities.

Adding to concerns about access to local facilities is the imminent closure of Anstruther’s Royal Bank of Scotland branch. Meanwhile, Crail’s library has been closed as a result of budget cuts.

Some residents and businesses also feel cut off by gaps in superfast broadband connections. A local project was launched to establish fast, and affordable, fast internet.

And with no railway serving the area, the East Neuk could benefit if the rail link to Leven is reopened, providing quicker links to Edinburgh and Dundee.

An East Neuk Community Action Plan, with strategies for individual villages, is currently being worked on to shape the area’s future.

Affordable housing and local facilities are among the issues highlighted in the plan.

Under its current social housing programme, the council had built 172 new homes in Largo and the East Neuk up to 2016, and more are in the pipeline.

Another concern is road safety. With most accidents happening on rural roads, police have said the behaviour of motorists is a major concern for communities.

Local MP Stephen Gethins along with local councillors and staff at Crail Library campaigning to prevent the closure of the facility in the small East Neuk village.