Residents of one of Kirkcaldy’s largest neighbourhoods could be cut off by surprise roadworks, a community leader has claimed.
Rab O’Donnell, of the Linktown Tenants and Residents Association, says that he is angry after discovering that road resurfacing work will potentially cut off large parts of the community from the main road network.
The work, to be conducted by Fife Council, is scheduled to begin in a matter of weeks; however, Mr O’Donnell says that he only became aware of the situation after learning about it from a local shopkeeper.
While business owners in the area have been told of the upcoming works on Links Street, residents appear to have been kept in the dark.
“We’re always told that the council wants to be transparent and consult on things,” said Mr O’Donnell.
“But a lot of the homes here have cars that are at the back of the property, so how are they going to get out?
“It’s fantastic news that the road is being repaired, but Fife Council know that we’re here so they should be coming to us and letting us know.
“We just want to be told what is going on in our community.”
The entire length of Links Streets is to be resurfaced, from Pratt Street at the town’s west end to Nicol Street in the town centre.
Starting on Monday February 13, the works will be carried out in four phases and are expected to be completed by the middle of March.
Fife Council says that businesses and households directly affected by roadworks are always contacted before work commences.
Adding that efforts had been made to contact the Association, Mark Dewar, service manager, said: “We have a standard practise of notification for businesses and residents for any upcoming road closures.
“As happened here, businesses are contacted at least two months beforehand with a request for them to fill in a questionnaire setting out their needs for access, deliveries etc.
“All local residents who will be immediately affected by the closure are also notified by hand-delivered letter two weeks before works begin.
Residents in the Links Street area will be receiving these letters in the next week or two.
“When we were notified of the Linkstown Residents’ Association we tried to contact their secretary but have so far been unsuccessful. “
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk.
