VILLAGERS in a Charlestown street are to be consulted on an ongoing parking problem – but may be asked to help pay for the work.

Solutions to an issue in The Cairns, where parked cars have been making it difficult for larger vehicles to get through, were discussed by members of Fife Council's South and West Fife area committee yesterday (Wednesday).

Locals have lodged a petition asking for action after cars left along the curved road have created access issues.

In a report for councillors, two possible options have been drawn up. One, costing around £80,000, would see the creation of 18 parking spaces as well as a footway. The second design, likely to cost £45,000, would see 16 new spaces created without an adjacent footway.

Housing services have agreed to contribute some funding, however, residents may be asked to pay some of the remainder as all but one of the surrounding homes are owned privately.

Councillor Tony Orton said many of the residents appear to have shown a preference for the option with fewer parking places.

"The reasoning behind that is they retain more of the Green but also it doesn't involve having to make adjustments to the wall at the end of the road," he added.

Rosyth councillor Andrew Verrecchia called for residents to be consulted.

"Would it be agreeable to ask the people that live there and go for the majority rather than us sitting here making a decision on something when we have not asked the people formally what their preference would be?" he said.

After it was confirmed that residents could be asked to pay a contribution, concerns were raised by Councillor Dave Dempsey.

"I am a bit concerned about going out to a consultation with residents with anything that refers to a requirement for them to fund it," he said.

"Is it a given that residents have to contribute to this? Residents don't normally have to contribute to road improvement."

However, committee convener Councillor Alice McGarry said the work was not road improvements.

"It seems only fair and reasonable that people with an interest are expected to contribute," she said. "Housing usually contribute on the basis of their tenants but in this case, they are putting in the majority of money because they are the landowner of the adjacent ground."

Alistair Mutch, Fife Council community manager (South & West Fife), added: "I would assume the starting point regarding any contribution is something that could be affordable to all parties," he said.

"It will prove challenging getting full agreement from residents for any contribution but once we get a preferred option, we can then proceed and identify what funding is available and identify any shortfall."