A FIFE MSP has called for action to help visitors with mobility problems access Lochore Meadows Country Park.

While praising rangers and Fife Council officials for work to improve services available, Dunfermline East MSP Helen Eadie expressed her concern that elderly and disabled visitors may be unable to reach the park.

She said the long walk from the main road to the centre—where mobility scooters can be hired—may deter some visitors.

However, team leader at the park Bill Wilson said this was the first issue of its kind drawn to the attention of staff in over 30 years and that the team would always be willing to help visitors.

The issue was raised by visitor Finlay Porter of New Galloway, who told Mrs Eadie that he felt there was “no thought or care” for the elderly using public transport.

“If this was so there would be a bus stop nearer the park,” he added.

Although the Meadows provide mobility scooters for elderly or disabled visitors in the park, there is no help from the bus stop to the main entrance.

When Mr Porter visited the park with his 85-year-old friend, accessing the main entrance was difficult as they had to walk all the way from the main road as there were no taxis and no other transport services provided by Fife Council.

“This arrangement is very inconsiderate, especially for a facility that is supposed to be accessible to all the public,” said the MSP.

“Fife Council has recognised the needs of the elderly and disabled visitors to the park by providing mobility scooters, but they have not taken this far enough.

“The scooters serve no purpose if those with mobility difficulties have to walk from the road to the main entrance to access them.”

She added, “It is a great concern to me when I hear that elderly and disabled people in our community are not looked after when it comes to transport.”

Mr Wilson said, “It was very unfortunate that a customer had difficulty reaching the park centre, particularly as Lochore Meadows has been at the forefront of promoting disabled access to the countryside for many years.

“This is the first problem of this kind that has been drawn to our attention in over 30 years.”

He said mobility scooters were provided for use in the park but, given the potential demand and health and safety considerations, had to be booked.

On arrival users are registered and given training.

For insurance and safety reasons the scooters can only be used on suitable paths in the park and there would not be a suitable area at the bus stop for training.

“However, we have checked with several local taxi companies, one of which is only 100 yards from the bus stop, and they would be very willing to take a visitor from the bus stop to the park centre,” he added.

Mr Wilson said that while there were not the staff to collect members of the public from the bus stop they would always do their best to help visitors in the park.