Parts of Fife Coastal Path could be lost to the sea for good because there is not enough money to maintain it, it has been claimed.
Generating an estimated £24 million for the local economy, Fife Coastal Path is a major draw for visitors to the region.
However, recent stormy weather has pounded the coastline and caused erosion and it has been claimed Fife Council has insufficient funds to prevent sections from being washed away.
In Dysart, Dovecot Park is rapidly shrinking as the tide eats away at the land, which was reclaimed from the sea using by-products of former coal mines.
The action of the sea has caused what was a sloping shore to turn into a hazardous 30-foot drop.
Dysart Trust chairman Jim Swan said, “It’s a sheer face where it has eroded away and there is a danger of stuff collapsing because of the erosion underneath.
“Common sense tells you to stay away from it but young kids don’t have that common sense. If you put signs up warning of danger, that’s just a magnet for kids.”
The park contains a play area and is used for Dysart Gala; however, there are fears it could be lost forever if immediate action is not taken.
In the past year, the land has receded by about five metres.
“It’s going to cost megabucks to get a solution to this,” Mr Swan said.
“The Coal Authority has walked away from it and it’s now the responsibility of Fife Council, but whether there is the political will or the money to do something about it is another matter.
“Over the last year the sea has made inroads of at least five metres. If something gets done now it will be a small job, but an expensive one. If they leave it a year, it will be a huge job.
“An area where the gala would normally take place has been fenced off and we won’t be able to use it this year.
“One of the fences they put up has already toppled into the beach.
“But there are no properties or houses in danger and this could stop them from doing anything.”
Mr Swan said the council’s budget for work on the coastal path was tiny in comparison to the funds that would be required to maintain it properly.
“Right around Fife, the coast is being eroded away,” he added.
There are also concerns the erosion is causing materials from the old Frances coal bing to be washed into the water, causing pollution and harming wildlife.
Local MSP Marilyn Livingstone recently called a meeting with councillors and representatives of Dysart Trust, Fife Council and the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust to discuss the issues.
She said, “Coastal erosion has serious consequences for those in Dysart and the Wemyss villages and I was grateful that key stakeholders were able to attend the meeting to discuss a joined up approach to increasing safety on the coastal path.
“The Fife Coastal Path has a key role to play in Fife’s tourism industry and we must ensure that it is protected for both local residents and tourists.
“I hope that this was the first of many meetings on how we can work together to combat coastal erosion for the people of Dysart and the Wemyss villages.”