THE Central Fife Crime Prevention and Community Safety Panel is looking forward to fresh impetus from new members.

Thursday night's annual general meeting saw a new chairman elected and interest shown in joining from members of the public.

The panel has been part of the community of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area since 1991 and has come up with a number of initiatives which has helped local people to make their property more secure and safer.

During election of office-bearers Cowdenbeath man Colin Bird was elected as chairman.

He has been a member of the panel for many years, although he had a spell away from the organisation when his family was growing up.

Vice chairman is Cardenden man David Roy; secretary is Peter Lockhart, from Cowdenbeath; and treasurer is Betty Wetherspoon.

After the meeting Colin Bird said: "We are looking to get representatives from all of the local communities and we have had indications that four new members could soon join us.

"That is very encouraging and our first task is to ensure that the the new Community Rail Partnership idea is fully established."