By Claire Warrender

A £19,000 artwork said to spoil a historic Fife village is to be reviewed on health and safety grounds.

Dysart residents have discovered people have been cycling along the top of a controversial 53-metre long white plywood box built alongside the Fife coastal path.

They now fear an accident if someone falls off, and Fife Council has pledged to look at the situation.

The artwork in Edington Place, which blocks views over the Firth of Forth, caused an outcry among local people who say they were not consulted before it was installed.

It is part of a wider arts project in Dysart, started by the council two years ago and paid for using funds from the local authority, the Scottish Government and Europe.

The project is now the responsibility of Arts and Theatres Trust Fife (AttFife), an independent body set up last year.

Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone, who last week branded the structure horrible and called for its removal, held a meeting with Fife Council, the AttFife, the Dysart Trust and residents where it emerged people had been walking and cycling on it.

“We had a full and frank discussion about the situation but the most important issue is health and safety,” said Mrs Livingstone.

“We said we were concerned about folks’ safety and the council said they would take that back and come up with options.

“Everybody went away feeling much happier and confident that common sense would prevail.”

She added, “We all accept community art is a matter of taste and often it’s controversial but we would prefer something that won’t bar the sea views.”

Ian Whitelaw, senior manager with Fife Council’s community services, confirmed concerns had been voiced and added, “There is quite a drop at the far side and the last thing we want is for somebody to fall off.

“We have agreed that early next week we’ll have a meeting on site and put another package together.”

Mr Whitelaw said it was unlikely the entire structure would be pulled down, but revealed part of it may be removed with some bits being retained.

“We need a solution that will maximise the views and deal with the dangers,” he said. “But whatever we come up with now, nothing will happen until we have 100% consulted with everyone involved.”