IT’S a dear green place to the people of Dunfermline and the Friends of Pittencrieff Park have now issued a plea to help them care for and improve the Glen.

The charity, set up over 12 years ago, assists with the maintenance and appearance of the town’s star attraction but said lack of cash and resources could see it lose its appeal.

In recent years, the group’s committee has dwindled to around eight active members and more are desperately needed to help with the work they are currently doing and to expand their valuable role.

Chairperson Harry Dunn said: “The council cannot manage as it is and the Glen has started to show that.

“The flower beds are not what they used to be. The guys that come in and cut the grass have to do it all over the Fife area.

“They are thinking of getting rid of some of the flower beds because of this so this need for volunteers is getting greater and greater.”

The much-loved Glen is 76 acres in size and attracts more than 750,000 visitors each year. Gifted to the people of Dunfermline by Andrew Carnegie in 1903, the park is best known for its resident peacocks, as well as the grey squirrel.

It hosts the Dunfermline Children’s Gala every summer and the annual fireworks display in November. There is also the art deco Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff House, gardens, glasshouses, playparks, ornamental and ‘special’ trees, plants and wide open green spaces.

Last week it was announced that the park was one of just seven in the Kingdom to be awarded green flag status from Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Harry said volunteers would be welcomed with open arms and added: “We do have people who pay a membership, £3 a year, and that is as much involvement as they want, which is fine, but we could do with some people who are willing to come along and work on the committee.

“Several things are happening in the Glen and that will bring new people into the area. It would be good to organise things like a litter pick or pulling some weeds out but that takes organisation. We have been in touch with Fife Voluntary Action and they will maybe give a team of people who can come in.”

With council budgets cut across Fife, the Friends are keen to step up and take on more – and ensure the park’s attractions are maximised.

He said: “We see ourselves as a bit of a prodder as well. There was a problem with the drains after flooding and we had to keep on at the council until something was done.

“We want to look at things like Pittencrieff House. That is sitting there and nothing is being done with it. We put a plan forward six years ago to do something about it but it just gets left. We know it is about money but if no-one is pushing and prodding, nothing will get done.

“The time has come to start that and we need more people to help.”

The committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Glen Pavilion. Anyone who thinks they can help, or would like further information, should email foppdunfermline@gmail.com.