Teenagers are putting themselves in danger by crossing a busy railway line in the dark and under the influence of alcohol, according to Councillor Andy Heer.
The Howe of Fife representative is due to meet Ladybank residents to hear concerns about alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour in South Annsmuir Wood.
Members of the Ladybank Forest Users Group say South Annsmuir has been used by pupils as a “drinking den” despite being designated as an alcohol-free zone.
Dog walkers have expressed concerns about broken bottles and bottle tops posing a risk to their pets.
Mr Heer said: “I have arranged to visit the site with members of the users’ group to see the problem for myself and meantime I have liaised with local police officers and Inspector Black to see what the police can do.
“I can appreciate that youngsters need to relax and let off steam but this group are causing problems in so many ways such as alcohol abuse, lack of respect for other people, for property and for nature and wildlife and not least in putting themselves in danger crossing a busy railway line in the dark and under the influence of alcohol.
“It’s not that long ago since there was a tragic accident under similar circumstances at Springfield and we don’t want to see a reoccurrence.”
Robin Lofthouse, beat forester with Forestry Commission Scotland, which manages the woods, said: “It is disgusting that every year groups of young people create so much mess and vandalism.
“These incidents take up a lot of time to tidy up properly and repairs to damaged benches are expensive, not to mention the risk of having fires in woodlands.
“We are working closely with Ladybank Users Group and the local police to try and find the people involved.”
The Forest Users’ Group has written with its concerns to Phil Black, the rector of Bell Baxter High School in Cupar.
Fife Council confirmed the alcohol free zone covers Annsmuir Wood but any contravention of the bylaws is a matter for police.
Constable Stuart Bruce, the community ward officer for the Howe of Fife and Taycoast, said: “We have recently been made aware of a complaint regarding antisocial behaviour in South Annsmuir Woods, Ladybank and we are conducting inquiries into this.
“We have a Campaign Against Violence deployment running on Friday June 12 and we will be incorporating this area into our patrols. We are also currently liaising with British Transport Police about the use of the crossing in order to help keep people safe.”