TWO major events are underway this week to seek the views of businesses and members of the local communities around the future of the town centres of Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.

Only one month since the new Administration was formed, Fife Council has swung into action to seek the comments about how the communities would like to see the centres of Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy develop over the next five years.

Leader of Fife Council, Councillor Alex Rowley welcomed the opportunity to open up discussion on the town centres with these key groups.  He said:  “Our large town centres have a key role to play in the Fife economy and create opportunities for jobs as well attracting many visitors to Fife. It’s vital that address the issues and concerns around our town centres as soon as possible. 

“This is only the start of a journey to rejuvenate and bring life back into our town centres.  This can only be done by working in partnership with representatives from all sectors of our communities, young and old, who live and work there.

“Last night’s first session in Dunfermline was really encouraging with many ideas being generated and opinions gathered.  To hear first hand what key businesses and representatives of the community think works and doesn’t in Dunfermline is invaluable and will help us formulate the next steps.  It will be very interesting to hear the comments and suggestions at the event at Kirkcaldy on Thursday. 

“The long term future of Fife’s economy depends on thriving town centres with the right mix of shopping, business and leisure facilities to fit the needs of a changing society.”

Councillor Rowley concluded:  “We will continue gathering information throughout the summer with the aim of bringing a report back to committee early in the Autumn.”

Councillor Mike Rumney, chair of City of Dunfermline Area Committee commented:  “The Dunfermline event was very positive with an excellent turnout from local businesses.  It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase to businesses the contemporary new extension to the Glen Pavilion featuring the Peacock Rooms, complete with cafe.  This is the latest major investment in Pittencrieff Park by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Fife Council and we hope that it will reinstate the park as one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.”