INVERKEITHING'S Prestonhill Quarry will get fencing, signage and a memorial after councillors approved funding of £12,500 towards the work.

The South West Fife area committee has agreed to the contribution as part of the efforts to keep the public safe and prevent further tragedies.

The site has claimed the lives of two teenagers in the past year – Cameron Lancaster, 18, died in August 2014 carrying out an 'ice bucket challenge', and John McKay, also 18, died on June 18 this year at the quarry.

Inverkeithing councillor and Fife Council deputy leader Lesley Laird said: “Our top priority is to keep people safe in this area, and prevent any further tragedies.

“The £12,500 from Fife Council will go towards improving the fencing round the quarry and forms part of an action plan covering signage, fencing and education.

“A multi-agency approach towards Prestonhill Quarry is being undertaken, and Fife Council is already working closely with the police and fire services.

“We urge people to avoid using this area, and we are also supporting educational initiatives and direct discussions with the local community to raise the profile of the dangers of swimming or playing in quarries.”

However, she said Fife Council was still having “real difficulties” in tracking down the owners of the quarry, but was continuing to pursue the owners to make sure they fulfilled their obligations.

South West Fife area chair Cllr Bobby Clelland added: “Members have been very involved in the development of actions, and we are working actively with other agencies to prevent any further tragedy at the quarry.

“The funding approved from the Local Community Planning Budget will help make the area safer and raise awareness of the dangers around Prestonhill Quarry.

“Finding the owners of the site is key to resolving this situation, but until this happens it’s important that we do all that we can.”