Collapsed builder Lomond Homes does not owe Fife Council any money in relation to the Kilmux playpark development in Kennoway.
The council’s service manager Jim Birrell made the position clear after Lomond Homes’ move into administration led a number of Kennoway residents to call for an investigation into what other monies might be owed to the local authority through Section 75 payments.
In particular, residents were demanding to know what “robust action” was taken to recover the Kilmux Park playpark’s commuted sum, due in 2003 and believed to be £75,000.
The Courier reported in December how it took six years to persuade Lomond Homes to install a children’s playpark at its new housing estate in Kennoway.
It emerged the equipment could be ripped out due to an ongoing wrangle over its maintenance. Children do not play on the swings and slide, and the area has become something of an eyesore.
The park was finally installed by Lomond Homes around three years ago many years after the last home was built.
Its creation was included in the planning permission granted for the estate and the time it took to be delivered angered locals.
However, it is believed no agreement was ever secured for the playpark’s maintenance and, despite efforts by residents to maintain it themselves, it has been left to decay.
The council said in December that talks over its future were to resume in the new year but one option being looked at is replacing the broken play equipment with seating.
Two weeks ago it was confirmed that professional services firm PwC has been appointed administrators of Lomond Homes, based in Glenrothes.
It had previously emerged that the council was pursuing action to recover £494,000 from the company, money that is outstanding in relation to two Section 75 planning agreements for developments in Blairhall and Lochgelly.
Lomond Homes had other creditors.
Kennoway resident William Polland said the time had come for further answers.
He said: “I must say that whilst I understand why Lomond Homes should be asked questions, though now in administration, I believe the serious questions should be asked of Fife Council, such as how much in total over the last 10 years is owed to the council in Section 75 payments, not only from Lomond Homes?
“What robust action was taken to recover the Kilmux Park playpark commuted sum, due in 2003, and other monies outstanding on other developments?
“Should there be a major inquiry into whether something sinister has been going on here? Surely the true facts and figures need to be established? My suspicion is that the facts could be damming.”
Service manager Jim Birrell said: “As previously reported Lomond Homes owe the council a total of £494,000. However, there is no outstanding sum of money in relation to the Kilmux development.
“Lomond Homes installed a playpark and were responsible for maintaining it for the first two years. We are now exploring options to bring the park into proper and safe use for local children, in discussion with residents, the community council and elected members.”