East Fife’s Bayview Stadium could soon be home to a new artificial pitch for use by the community, if local campaigners get their way.
Fifers For The Community (FFTC) has presented Fife Council with a bid for £350,000 plus matched funding that will allow the grass at the Methil ground to be replaced with a 3G Fifa-approved surface.
Those behind the project, which has been supported by the club, plan to manage the facility using a model similar to that used by Edinburgh club Spartans.
The plan is expected to cost around £567,000, meaning council funding could be crucial in pushing it towards the finish line.
Allan Duthie, chairman of FFTC, said: “The pitch will be situated at Bayview and would be the first phase of a project which in the future will incorporate a standalone community building offering a focus for individuals, organisations and charity groups in the area.
“Everyone we have spoken to has given us full support and encouragement to deliver this facility, which will benefit the whole community.
“Most encouraging is the 100% support we have received from the East Fife Youth Academy and East Fife Ladies.”
He continued: “As we develop, FFTC will be able to support the academy’s efforts as well as our own projects.”
Detailed and costed plans have been drawn up and have been submitted to Fife Council, although the FFTC bid faces competition from another campaign to site a similar community facility at King George V Park in Leven.
But Mr Duthie said: “While that bid may offer a similar playing surface, we feel that Bayview is the most suitable venue due to ample car parking at the stadium, the surrounding business park and its ideal location for vehicular and public transport.
“The existing perimeter walls provide excellent security and the existing floodlighting and ground sub-base allow for a more cost effective delivery of the facility.”
However, local councillor Alistair Hunter is one of those who favours the King George V bid, and hopes that will win what appears to be a two-horse race.
“We appreciate the sense of the East Fife bid, but feel strongly that the King George V Park option is the strongest bid for Levenmouth because it offers the whole community a multi-sport facility,” he said.