A Fife community council is kicking up a stink over plans to auction off a disused toilet block.
Members of Cardenden Community Council have called on Fife Council not to sell the former conveniences on Main Street, citing worries over whether a private owner will maintain the prominent building.
David Taylor, secretary of the community council, believes the area has already been blighted by the influence of absentee landlords and has pleaded with the local authority not to allow the toilets to fall into a similar position.
He contacted The Courier to say: “At first Fife Council decided they would demolish the block but in the last couple of days they appear to have decided to auction the building off instead.
“Obviously, selling the building off will get them money, which they think is a good idea.
“However, they have done this before when two buildings in Cardenden were sold off to private people and they have been sitting as eyesores ever since.
“This is still in Fife Council’s hands and we don’t want the toilets sold off. We’re trying to improve the village, not knock it back.”
The toilets have been closed off to the public for some time and will be sold at auction, despite Fife Council confirming it looked into demolishing the block.
The local authority has also stated no conditions will be placed upon any buyer should they wish to buy the toilets, adding to the community council’s concerns.
Michael O’Gorman, service manager for estates with Fife Council, said: “The toilets are surplus to requirements and are being offered for sale.
“The sale was suggested by environmental services as a budget-saving proposal and stems from the need to reduce revenue costs in the light of the financial pressures being experienced by the council.
“Consideration was given to demolition. However, rather than incurring the cost of demolition, as there is a prospect of securing a modest income receipt, it is to be offered for sale.
“There will be no conditions imposed on the purchaser in respect of redevelopment timescales.
“A planning application will be required for a change of use or other material alterations. Any such consent will be time limited.”