Benarty under the spotlight

And Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing met with Boundaries Campaigners, Willie Clarke and Brian Menzies, to discuss the ongoing consultation process regarding proposed changes to the boundaries of Benarty Community Council.

This came about after the Benarty Boundaries Group was set up to contest suggestions that a substantial part of Glencraig was in Lochgelly Community Council's remit.

The Group protested that this was historically incorrect and the local authority set up the consultation process to see what the people of Benarty think about the situation.

Speaking following the meeting, Ms Ewing said: “It was good to meet up again with Willie and Brian and we had a very useful discussion.

“Fife Council is undertaking a consultation process on plans to change the boundary between Benarty and Lochgelly Community Council areas, so as to bring the whole of Glencraig village into the Benarty Community Council area.

“This consultation is a consequence of a petition which gathered nearly 1,500 signatures and I trust that Fife Council will bear that in mind when it comes to assessing the outcome of the consultation".

The MSP added: “The deadline for responses is January 31 and I would encourage local people to take part as it is extremely important that their voices are heard.

“I know that the Benarty Community Council have a number of concerns about the practical arrangements for this consultation and have raised those directly with Fife Council. I, too, am raising these issues with the Council.

“The primary concerns relate to the wording of the questions which some folk are finding confusing, the fact that the ballot boxes are not sealed, that there was an eight-day delay in getting a ballot box to Benarty, and a lack of clarity regarding which local groups have been contacted.

“In a previous communication to me, a ‘robust’ process was promised and that is what must be delivered.”