A Pittenweem councillor whose late relative helped open a playpark in the village said she would be “turning in her grave” to see it removed.
Residents say school pupils “booed” as Fife Council workers removed the equipment at New Grange park earlier this week.
East Neuk and Landward councillor Sean Dillon says he is “disappointed” and fears locals will have to fund any replacement.
He said: “As a Pittenweem resident, I am disappointed to see our park has been left to fall into such a state of disrepair that removal is the only option left.
“My own great-grandmother was part of the original effort to give the children of Pittenweem a playpark by the school.
“I imagine that she would be turning in her grave to see the equipment become so dilapidated.”
The Lib Dem representative says he will support residents to fundraise for a replacement if this is the only option.
He said: “I am ready to bring together all concerned individuals to work towards the installation of a new playpark and the details of any such meetings will be publicised nearer the time.”
Pittenweem resident Laura Marr told The Courier that the park is well used despite falling into disrepair.
She said: “Every day and at the weekend the park is mobbed.
“Pittenweem Rovers (football club) train there and if there are parents watching the games then younger kids will be at the playpark.
“It’s really the only decent park.”
‘They think the East Neuk can sort it themselves’
Ms Marr says there is a perception the area receives less funding than other parts of the kingdom.
She added: “St Monans has just had to pay for a new playpark, but immaculate parks are popping up in slightly more deprived areas of Fife.
“They don’t have to fundraise.
“It’s like they think, ‘It’s the East Neuk and they can sort it themselves’.”
Pittenweem dad ‘appalled’
Jamie Gorman, whose children play in the park, said: “I am appalled to hear about the removal of the facilities within the park which nobody was told about.
“Not only does this provide enjoyment for the children after school, it’s also somewhere for kids to enjoy during the times they aren’t at school, like holidays and weekends.
“I have kids who attend Pittenweem Primary and they constantly ask if they can go to the park after school.
“All the kids love this park and it’s somewhere the parents can socialise while the kids play too.”
Park equipment was ‘no longer safe’
Fife Council parks officer Iain Wilson says the equipment was removed after coming to the end of its useful life.
He said: “The equipment was no longer safe for children to use so we’re now looking at what might be best for the site in the future.
“We’ll be working with local councillors to look at options, new designs and potential funding for the site.”
Conversation