A GATE to discourage visitors from accessing Prestonhill Quarry is set to be installed this week.

The barrier, put in place by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT), will block vehicular access to the site.

It comes as a number of "close calls" were seen last week, as the heatwave brought hundreds of people to the potentially dangerous spot.

David Barratt, councillor for Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay, told the Press: "The council can't stop people jumping off the cliff but they can stop cars – it is as much as we can do.

"It is disappointing that it has come to that but there have been a few close calls."

Mounds of rubbish were left behind by up to 200 people, and at that time Cllr Barratt warned "you can't bring someone back if they are killed".

Dangerous 'tombstoning' was also witnessed at the site, where three people have died in recent years.

"Once people realise that there is a gate then it is hoped that will stop cars coming but obviously people will still walk in," Cllr Barratt continued.

"One thing we found were lots of Stagecoach tickets and train nibs, lots of people were visiting from Edinburgh or Livingston.

"I have no problem with people enjoying themselves, as long as it is responsibly."

Robbie Blyth, head of operations at FCCT, said: "As managers of Fife Coastal Path, we are concerned about the number of vehicles using the cycle/pedestrian path towards the southern end of Preston Crescent, Inverkeithing.

"Following consultation with emergency services, a locked barrier is now being installed and it is anticipated that it will be in place by the end of the week.

"Pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters will still be able to safely use the path through an entry point next to the barrier.

"However, we recognise that supervised groups and other stakeholders from time to time may require vehicle access and this can be arranged by contacting us by email at ask.us@fifecountryside.co.uk"

Meanwhile, a community effort saw residents clean up the quarry on Saturday, with 35 bags of rubbish collected.

Wildlife in the area was also affected, with "thousands" of frogs appearing, some of which had been stuck in inflatables or drinks cans.