Investigations have been launched into whether an 11-foot deep hole in a village’s Main Street is due to historic mine workings.
Fifteen tonnes of stones have been poured into the sinkhole, which suddenly appeared in Methilhill on Friday, to ensure the ground is stable.
The Coal Authority has pledged if the collapse is found to be the result of coal mining it will take further action to ensure the area is safe.
Local councillors are organising a public meeting in a bid to reassure residents who have inundated them with concerns in the wake of the alarming discovery.
Labour councillor Ryan Smart said people were extremely worried.
“They’re saying to me, ‘what if that had happened in the middle of the road or elsewhere?’,” he said.
“If it is a mine shaft how far does it extend?
“Where else is another one going to suddenly appear? Will it be in somebody’s living room or on the bowling green?”
Mr Smart praised the Coal Authority for its prompt response in dealing with the problem and said the organisation would be invited to the meeting to update locals.
Fife Council officials will also be invited, along with Wemyss Estates who own an area of unstable land, which has been fenced off for 12 years, close to the latest sinkhole.
“We’ll be discussing that bit of ground and what should happen,” Mr Smart said.
“The Coal Authority has reassured me for the time being but people need to be given their say.”
A date for the meeting will be set in the next few days.
SNP councillor John O’Brien said he had also been approached by people living close to the sinkhole asking if their homes were safe.
“People are worried about their safety,” he said.
“They need to know what’s going on.”
The hole discovered on Friday morning is on the corner of Main Street and Chemiss Road, an area used by dozens of children due to return to school on Wednesday.
The affected area has been securely fenced off to ensure there is no danger to pedestrians while investigations continue.
