THE signs are finally looking good for road safety in Bowhill more than a year after a mum and her baby were nearly hit by a car.
Fife Council promised to take action following the scare for Katie Stevenson and her child on Station Road in May 2022 and there's a "huge sigh of relief" that work will finally be completed.
Local councillor Rosemary Liewald took up the case and said: "Her baby was almost hit by a car coming from the car park behind the Co-op, as her sight was obscured by a van parked on double yellow lines outside the bakery (Bayne's).
"This is a repeated occurrence throughout the day, particularly in the morning rush-hour and lunchtime which I observed for myself."
After years of complaints from residents about "near misses" and "horrendous parking" in the area, she raised the issue in May last year and was told by the council that the double yellow lines would be repainted and new signage would be installed.
When this work wasn't completed, villagers were up in arms and fearing for their safety.
However this week there has been progress as Cllr Liewald recalled: "The double yellow lines were done, however the additional signage at the entrance to the car park was not put in place.
"The community were ready to begin a petition to Fife Council's transportation service concerning the area and asking for guardrails or barriers to be placed on each side of the road.
"I’m delighted to report that I have now been sent details of the works to be carried out and these include details of guardrails which will be placed along each side of the road, running from the end of the white zig-zag lines at the Co-op to the betting shop at the gap to the exit of the car park.
"The other side of the road will have guardrails running from the the business car park at the Rowan Beauty Studio to the corner leading to Main Street.
"There will also be additional signage to indicate the parking behind the shops (there are 42 spaces there) and the parking which can be used at the bowling club near to the institute."
She added: "I have welcomed this news with huge gratitude, we know the difference that barriers made around the corner on Cowdenbeath Main Street.
"I know that the community who use these shops on a regular basis, including our elderly, young mums and schoolchildren, have run the risk of a fatal accident and will also welcome this news with a huge sigh of relief."
In November 2019 a 43-year-old Lochgelly man, former soldier Dave McArthur, was out shopping with his mum when he was knocked down and killed by a van as he crossed Station Road, outside the Tesco store.
In April this year the driver, former footballer Craig Smart, was jailed for two years for causing the fatal injuries.
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