Calls have been made to shed light on one of Kirkcaldy’s most symbolic open spaces, following safety concerns.
A local veterans’ leader is demanding for more illumination of the town’s memorial gardens, after several members of the public raised concerns over aggressive begging in the area.
There are fears that the gardens could be establishing a reputation as a haven for potential criminal elements, a situation that Rob Scott says must not be allowed to happen.
The chairman of the Fife branch of The Black Watch Association also believes that as well as improving public safety, lighting the gardens would prove a more fitting tribute to the those named on the memorial itself.
“It’s shocking that people would do that near a war memorial,” he said.
“If people are simply hanging around the place, particularly at night, then it is likely that they are up to no good.
“I don’t know of any other memorials that are in darkness and even ones in smaller places like Leslie are relatively well lit.
“I’m sure there are still families that like to go down there to remember loved ones and in winter time, it’s dark in the afternoon.”
“Not lighting up the memorial says that people can only remember the dead during the day.”
The Courier has been contacted by several members of the public stating concerns over begging in the memorial gardens, on some occasions being conducted by men working in pairs.
Fife Council have said that they will look at the situation after The Courier brought the claims to light.
Area services manager Danny Cepok said: “Following our town centre summit, we have a full list of priorities for investment in Kirkcaldy.
“We are concentrating our efforts in these areas and are making good progress.
“We were unaware of any particular issues in the memorial gardens, but we will certainly monitor this and, if necessary, look at ways of improving the situation.”
The memorial was established in 1923, a gift to the people of Kirkcaldy from linoleum magnate John Nairn, and remains the focal point for Armistice Day ceremonies in the town.
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk