Residents of Methil have been warned to prepare for major disruption today ahead of East Fife’s game against Rangers.
The local population is set to swell as thousands of football fans descend on the area for the biggest game since the Fifers moved to New Bayview.
Police are reassuring residents that they have more than adequate resources to deal with the influx of fans, far more than normal after the home side increased capacity at the stadium for the game.
“People should be reassured that we have all of the resources necessary to police the area,” said Chief Inspector Graeme Kinmond.
“It will be good for the local economy and businesses, in that people are coming in and spending money in the area.
“The game is not on television, which is good for us as it means there won’t be a lot of people sitting in pubs watching it.”
Hundreds of homes and businesses have received letters from the police about possible disruption, although a large number of people attending this afternoon’s match will have travelled from outwith the local area.
South Street will be closed from 11.30am, while traffic control measures will also be in place throughout Methil.
Chief Inspector Kinmond added: “Obviously, there will be significant stewarding operations in place and there will be a strong police presence in and around the ground.
“The ground capacity has increased from 2,000 to 4,700 and that is significant as the local infrastructure is not built for a large number of cars.
“My advice to anyone going to the game is not to take their car. If they do, then they should park in Leven town centre.
“The vast majority of supporters will travel by bus and we will control that, although there will be heavy congestion, particularly between 5.45pm and 6pm.
“We will do what we can and try and get the roads open again as soon as possible.”