THE special community garden feature in Lochgelly Public Park will start to take shape this month.

At the latest meeting of the Public Park Improvement Group, members were advised of the timescales for the commencement of the work on the community garden.

Contractors aim to start work later this month, with completion by late March. This is of course weather dependent, but it will be completed and usable this summer.

The designs include a new path to ensure that the facility is open to all users. Raised flower beds will bring some colour to the area and the benches will allow spectacular views across the Bishop and Benarty hills to the north; and Largo Law to the east.

At the same time, the lower level will be grassed over, which will help make the area more pleasant. This is a temporary measure and in the longer term it is hoped that funding can be provided for a play area for the older children.

The group discussed problems of anti-social behaviour, where-by bottles have been getting smashed at the old shelter area.

Said the Public Park Group's Stevie Murray: "Whilst there have been some calls for the structure to be removed, at this stage we have asked the local community police and community workers to help tackle the source of the problem.

"They are keen to hear your views on the removal of the shelter so please get in touch.

"Dog fouling remains to be a significant problem in the park, as it is throughout the town. Most dog owners are responsible and we would ask those less inclined to clean after their dogs to remember that it is a Public Park and there are lots of people using it".

Last year saw the creation of the MUGA court on the south side of the park. This facility has proved a tremendous success, built on the old skate park area which had been left run down and horrible looking.

Since the Group commenced on the project there have been: willow tree planting to help drainage,

wild flower areas developed to enhance not only the visual look but also encourage wildlife, daffodil bulb planting at the Plantation Street entrance, a wide variety of tree planting across all of the park, flower baskets during the summer, beech hedging planted along the westerly side, swing park refurbishment including safer surfacing, and hedge size reduction around children’s play area.

Also picnic benches and seating installed at various locations,

new fencing installed behind the football goals at Muir park north, soak away at Muir Park behind goals south, improved lighting within the park, the football pitch's red blae removed and grass installation for increased use, thinning of trees at the Hall Street pavilion entrance, and park signage, which will be enhanced as new facilities are introduced, along with cherry blossom trees planted, replanting at The Avenue entrance entrance and the recycle bin store painting.

The Group thanked the support they have received from Fife Council’s Parks section, especially Stephen Duffy, Colin Davidson and Alex Lamond, for their contribution and advice as well as the gardeners involved.

If you want to get involved with the work of the group then please let them know by contacting lochgellycommunitycouncil@yahoo.co.uk