Gate theft is not an open and shut case

Thieves have stolen a gate which was installed as part of a community project to improve countryside paths.

The stock-proof gate in Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, which cost around 1000 and prevented livestock from nearby fields escaping on to the road, disappeared last week, along with the securing posts.

Last month, Ecclesmachan and Threemiletown Community Council, which covers just 150 households, completed an ambitious three-year 12,500 programme to improve local countryside paths.

Part of the work included the installation of the gate, which has been in place since October.There is a field on either side of the gate, one containing horses and the other sheep.

Gordon Allan, chairman of Ecclesmachan and Threemiletown Community Council, said he felt "disbelief" when he discovered the gate had vanished.

He said: "I was shocked and frustrated because we are now faced with having to try and find funds and a solution that will need to include further security to avoid a repeat. It appears to have been cut with a petrol-powered angle grinder-type cutter from the path side, as the saw debris is too fine for a chainsaw.

"They have also cut out the stanchion posts and taken them. The gate is so distinctive and specialised. I can't believe someone wanted it for their garden so I can only think it's destined for firewood or it was malicious.

"I'm stumped because the amount of metal that's on it and the type of metal has virtually no value.

"I reckon it's been stolen to order. Someone somewhere was needing a gate and someone thought, 'I know where I can get you a gate cheap'."

Work on the four paths, some 8.5km long in total, included drainage, a new bridge, fencing and stone-pitched steps.

The project was funded by Awards for All lottery funding and the West Lothian Council Leader programme. Mr Allan, who hit out at the thieves for the "mindless act", said funding would have to be sourced for a replacement gate.

"We need to protect the livestock in the fields adjacent to the path and avoid a potential accident on this road," he said.

"I don't know how we will raise the money. We haven't had the chance to discuss what we are going to do and how we are going to do it. The new gate will have to be more difficult to take off."

The gate, which was situated between Dechmont and Linlithgow, is around 1.2 metres in height and width.

The theft was discovered last Wednesday by contractor Hopetoun Groundcare.

Around 90 people attended the official launch of the path improvement project back on March 18, as well as MSPs Angela Constance and Fiona Hyslop.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that investigations were ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to call Broxburn police station on 01506 852121.

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