Volunteers who have been battling to safeguard the future of Craigtoun Park near St Andrews are hoping a “grand reopening” of the park can take place at Easter but only if cash-strapped Fife Council gives written confirmation of its support soon.
The Friends of Craigtoun Park was formed in February last year with the aim of securing the future of the park as an amenity for the people of St Andrews and visitors to the area.
Fife Council which purchased the park in 1947 and has run it since is, in light of current financial constraints, considering whether it can continue to do so in the future.
Behind the Friends initiative is St Andrews Community Council, which spearheaded the setting up of a trust to manage the 41-acre park once seen as a jewel in Fife’s crown of stunning visitor attractions but now only a shadow of its former self after years of neglect.
Over the summer, volunteers came up with a number of ideas to breathe life back into the park.
The miniature railway was operated in the last two years by an outside contractor MRW Railways which brought in its own train. It is hoped that the original engine, which came out of storage for a special Christmas appearance, can return in the spring.
There are also aspirations to get the boats back on the lake, along with putting, trampolines, crazy golf etc.
But St Andrews Community Council chairman Kyffin Roberts, who is also chairman of the Friends group, has revealed that Fife Council had yet to confirm in writing its support for 2013.
Peter Howden, Fife Council development manager for parks and countryside, said: “I would like to reassure Friends of Craigtoun Park and the community council that Fife Council remains committed to working closely with them.
“We are currently working on a partnership agreement with the Friends of Craigtoun Park and other interested parties.
“Fife Council plans to keep Craigtoun Park as a free-to-enter park and we are investing in the facilities by improving signage, paths, fencing, seats and bins.”
malexander@thecourier.co.uk