DUNFERMLINE'S MP has called for a “safe but significant increase” in the number of spectators permitted to visit Knockhill Racing Circuit’s events later this year.

MP Douglas Chapman visited the venue shortly after it hosted the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, where only 1,000 spectators could attend in person because of COVID-19 restrictions.

As the Press reported on July 8, venue bosses were "gutted" after their request for an exemption to raise the number of fans permitted entry to 15 per cent of what they can accommodate, which would have allowed 3,750 to attend, was turned down.

On his visit, Mr Chapman discussed plans by the Knockhill team to keep an increased number of spectators safe while enjoying events.

He believes the venue is ideally suited to accommodating more spectators.

The SNP MP for Dunfermline and West Fife said: “I believe Knockhill’s special case is strong as it’s a huge open-air venue sprawled across 220 acres of land, which people can only reach by private transport and they arrive at the venue in small groups.

“All ticket sales are completed in advance to assist track and trace teams, and staff have gone above and beyond to roll out extra measures to keep people safe, including in areas such as toilets and at on-site catering venues.

“Given all that, and having visited the site and seen it for myself, there should be room for more flexibility on numbers and there could be a safe but significant increase in the number of spectators permitted to attend future events."

Jillian Shedden, Knockhill’s managing director, said: "Our recent superbikes championship event went ahead without incident and it allowed us to test all our COVID-19 systems which all came through with flying colours.

“The event was costly for us as we had to refund ticket money when numbers were reduced but still had the cost of putting on a safe, live event.

“We believe all the agencies such as Fife Council and NHS representatives see Knockhill as a low-risk venue and, given that, we are hoping for larger numbers of spectators to be allowed to future race days and events."