Methil protesters paint their own roundabout as active travel anger prompts second demo

By Gbam Godwin On Nov 22, 2025

Methil protesters paint their own roundabout as active travel anger prompts second demo.

Demonstrators attempted to force traffic to utilise their makeshift roundabout while shop owners lined up to inform The Courier about the effects of the construction on them.

On the second day of the Methil cycle path demonstration, protesters painted their own temporary circle on the road.

Scores of drivers honked their horns in solidarity as placard-wielding campaigners forced them to navigate the junction’s red circle.

Meanwhile, a skeleton was placed on a chair to symbolise how firms had “bled to the bones”. Several shop owners lined up to express their dissatisfaction with the temporary traffic lights, which have hampered tradd.

Protests will continue, they claim, until Fife Council agrees to reconstruct the Toll Bar roundabout, which was dismantled as part of the £4 million active travel initiative.

Contractors began construction on the path five weeks ago, giving companies only one day’s notice.

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Methil business owners are unhappy at the active travel works — Methil business owners are unhappy with the cycle path work and some aimed unsubstantiated claims at council. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

The roundabout has already been removed, and four-way traffic signals will take its place. For the time being, temporary traffic lights have been installed.

However, local outrage has forced the postponement of work at the junction for more than a week, giving the council time to determine how to proceed. Businesspeople reject officers’ claims that traffic lights are safer than roundabouts for users of an active travel path.

The council also claims that permanent lights will cause less inconvenience than temporary ones since timers will prevent lines from forming.

‘We can’t afford to pay our staff’

Amanda Barbour of A&S Convenience Store reports that she has lost almost 80% of her daily sales since October 11. “We usually have 200 to 300 customers a day and make about £2,000,” she told me.

“Since this began, I’ve been taking home £200 to £300, and we can’t afford to pay our employees.

Amanda Barbour and mum Margo Lindsay, of A&S Convenience Store. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A protestor demands the return of the Toll Bar roundabout in Methil — The message was loud and clear. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“If permanent traffic lights go in that will be our reality forever because people won’t want to stop here.” Other business owners shared similar stories.

Ahmad founded What Dessert in April, but says he has forced to reduce personnel.

The Methil cycle path protesters take to the road — The Methil roundabout protesters take to the road. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A lorry mounts the kerb as it negotiates a corner — Pavements have been widened and large vehicles are mounting kerbs to negotiate corners. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“They’re now looking for jobs somewhere else and we’ve had to reduce our hours,” he informed me.

Customers are reporting that their delivery are late. “I hope it will get better but if cars are queuing at traffic lights our customers won’t get in to park.”

More businesses worried about trade hit

Derek Taylor of Jack’s Chippy claims he has lost 40% of his business. “This time last year we were breaking records with sales,” he told me. “This year, we are breaking them for the wrong reasons.

Protesters toast marshallows on their brazier — Protesters toast marshmallows on their brazier. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“The removal of the roundabout has clearly had a significant impact. “We’re willing to take a short-term hit while they put the roundabout back but we’re worried about the long-term effect if they don’t.”

Meanwhile, Marcus Samadi of Miami Pizza Parlour informed us: “We received a letter the day before work began.

The skeleton was back for a second day to demonstrate businesses “bled to the bones”. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“They basically just closed off the junction.” And Jessica Chen of Fortune Garden Chinese takeaway added, “It’s caused us a lot of problems.

“I think they should have had a meeting before the project started.”

Warning as equipment damaged

According to Andrew Latto of Parker’s Action House, the demonstration will continue indefinitely. “We will be returning on Sunday and Monday. “It won’t stop,” he said.

Fife Council issued a warning on Facebook on Friday lunchtime, following reports that CCTV and floodlights at the roadworks site had been deliberately damaged.

Work on the Methil roundabout is suspended — Work is suspended because of the protest. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

They stated: “We appreciate that there are strong opinions about the Methilhaven Road active travel route, and we are dedicated to listening to the community.

“However, destroying equipment on-site is a criminal crime that jeopardises public safety. “The CCTV pods appear to have been tampered with, and the tower lights have also been turned off in an apparent deliberate act.

“Please help us keep the area safe by staying away from equipment on site, and allowing constructive dialogue to continue.”