FIFE’S ROAD safety team has received a welcome, if unexpected, endorsement which left staff almost speechless.

An anonymous card containing a substantial amount of money was delivered to council’s headquarters in Glenrothes with the message, “To the team of the road safety campaign…with the greatest regards—a supporter of your cause.”

The card also included the name Alex Riddle and indicated he was a teenager who was killed more than a quarter of a century ago, but there were no further clues as to the sender or where the young man came from.

Head of transport Dr Bob McLellan said, “Staff were really taken aback when we received this, it was such an extraordinary, generous donation. We regularly receive letters of compliment from members of the public, but it’s really unusual to receive a donation.

“As the card and donation were anonymous we can’t personally thank the person who sent this, but we’d like them to know that their donation and compliments are gratefully received.

“We’ve decided to add this money to the funding for the Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow which runs every November.

“This is a hard-hitting theatre production by the emergency services in Fife which is offered to every fifth year pupil just at the time many of them will begin driving—it was felt this was an appropriate tribute to the young man, who was of a similar age, who lost his life in tragic circumstances.

“As well as being touched by the generosity of the donation, it was pleasing to be given such an endorsement of our approach to road safety in Fife.

“In April this year, we published an update to the road safety strategy first produced in September 2003. This document shows the significant progress made in the past three years, and has been recognised by being short-listed again for a National Transport Award to be decided in November.”

Councillor Andrew Keddie, chairman of Fife’s community safety committee, said, “I was really touched when I heard about this.

“I’m assuming this has been sent in by family or friends of the young man who died and for them to show their support in this way and with such generosity is quite humbling.

“The anonymous benefactor clearly still feels this loss after all this time, but I’m pleased they recognise the good work we are doing in Fife for road safety. I’d like to thank them for the donation and taking the time to write to us.”

The Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow in the Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, runs from November 14-16 for schools and colleges, with an evening performance open to the public scheduled for November 15. Copies of Fife’s Road Safety Strategy Update are available from Fife Council on 01592 413459 or by Email at blyth.Berwick@fife.gov.uk.