CONCERNS over safety at the site of the former opencast mine at Blairhall have been raised. 

Members of Saline Community Council are concerned about the increasing number of motorcyclists using the site and have called for security to be stepped up. 

Chairperson David Chisholm said they were also concerned about the amount of deep water in the grounds of the former mine.

"From the community's point of view, it is a blot on the landscape and has been for four or five years," he said.

"What is concerning is the hole in the ground is filling up with water. There is no fencing at all. A few years ago we had issues with young people swimming in the water."

Mr Chisholm is keen something is done to improve the situation as quickly as possible.

"Once the coal had been extracted, the original intention was it would be relandscaped in consultation with the local community and very little is happening."

Scottish Mines Restoration Trust chair Professor Russel Griggs OBE said restoration work on Blair House had been delayed due to an ongoing debate between Fife Council and Royal Sun Alliance over the terms of the restoration bond allocated for the site. 

“Throughout these discussions, SMRT has continued to liaise at regular intervals with statutory and local authorities, the site liaison group, and landowners, and together we are doing everything possible to mitigate the issues this site presents," he said.

“We have been carrying out a lot of essential work on the site and have taken all of the steps required to make sure people are aware of the dangers.

"Vandalism is now a key issue and repairs to fencing are undertaken as soon as is practicable.

“We would ask that individuals and families in the area use common sense and pay heed to the health and safety warnings displayed clearly around the site.”

Pam Ewen, senior manager – planning, said they had been in recent correspondence with Saline and Steelend Community Council and the Blair House liaison committee.

“The council is committed to securing the release of the restoration bond monies from Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance PLC for restoration of the former mine via the legal process," she said.

“Unauthorised access to the site is a matter for the landowner and potentially the police. Fife Council is satisfied that the landowner – the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust – is taking all reasonable steps to maintain site security.

"Local people are encouraged to assist in this by staying away from the site and reporting any unauthorised access.”