Plans that could transform a former Fife quarry into a green energy and industrial park could also save the lives of local youngsters, it has been claimed.
Councillor Bill Brown says that proposals to develop the former Westfield opencast coal mine, between Cardenden and Kinglassie, will improve safety at the site, which has been used by youngsters in the summer months to go swimming.
Hargreaves Services, which owns the complex, last week submitted a planning application to develop industrial units and a solar energy park at the vast area, potentially creating up to 2,500 jobs over a ten-year period.
Mr Brown, whose Glenrothes West and Kinglassie ward borders the Westfield site, has long spoken of his fears of a tragedy at the quarry and has welcomed plans to develop the site as a means of preventing youths from gathering there.
“I have been concerned for some time that the ‘old quarry’ attracts young people during the summer months,” he said.
“The water filled quarry is around 600 feet deep and has many dangers associated with it that young people are often unaware of.
“The proposed re-development of the quarry looks really interesting and could not only open up employment possibilities for local people but could also make the remote site much safer.
“At the end of the day we need to be able to attract more businesses to the area and more jobs.”
Recent years have prompted reports of youths gathering at the remote quarry to swim in the water, despite warnings against doing so and tragedies at similar sites elsewhere in Fife.
Hargreaves last week formally submitted its plans for the Westfield site following a public consultation exercise earlier in the year.
Proposals for manufacturing and industrial units, along with business and leisure opportunities, are included in a masterplan, with food production and the recycling industries just two areas being targeted by developers.
The plan has also assessed the viability of reinstating the Westfield railway branch line, with a feasibility study finding no issues with the track and rail network capacity to prevent the route from reopening to freight traffic.
Mr Brown added: “I welcome the plans that have been brought forward by Hargreaves and shared with the Cardenden and Kinglassie communities.”
