A site near Leven Swimming Pool and Sports Centre and the former Cameron Bridge rail halt have emerged as the frontrunners for train station locations when passenger services are restored to Levenmouth.
Seven months after transport minister Michael Matheson announced a £70 million investment to reopen the line between Leven and Thornton, members of the community have drawn up a wish list for their area before, during and after the reinstatement of the rail link.
As well as stations in Leven and Cameron Bridge, people who took part in an engagement workshop organised by the Levenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC) said ample parking would be essentia.
There was also a plea for stations to be easily accessible, clearly connected to other forms of public transport and home to changing and toilet facilities.
Improvements to Leven High Street and connections with other planned developments along the River Leven and the proposed Leven Whale public art project were also highlighted as desirable.
A spokesperson for the LMRC said: “It is encouraging to see so many suggestions coming from our local community, though it is unfortunate this has had to be organised by the campaign and not by the authorities responsible.
“It’s particularly gratifying that people are taking an overall view of all the fantastic projects happening in our area and clearly understand that the huge sums involved – over £130 million – mean there needs to be a “big picture” view of how this is all going to work.
“Perhaps that will be the role of Blueprint group but, as we’ve seen, if that doesn’t happen then our local folk have demonstrated we’re perfectly capable of performing it ourselves.”
The news comes following criticism from campaigners last week that a project manager for a Blueprint Group – seen as a key part of the process – has not yet been appointed by Fife Council.
Campaigners enraged by perceived Levenmouth rail link delays
Suggestions for car park sites have included land at the old power station or a park and choose facilities at either Silverburn or Blacketyside.
Larg- scale provision of parking at Cameron Bridge is also needed to cope with the extensive new housing planned for the west of Leven, according to the consultation.
A further controversial but common comment was the partial removal of pedestrianisation along with possible canopy cover for the High Street, while people also wanted clear links to the promenade part of town and to the Coastal Path and Pilgrims’ Way.
