THE options the Cowdenbeath Town Centre consultants have put forward for the centre of the former mining burgh to change its image weere welcomed on Monday by members of the public.

A public viewing of the possible ways suggested by the consultants was held at the Pit Road Leisure Centre on Monday afternoon and people felt that there were several good suggestions.

The Cowdenbeath Town Centre Consultation Events followed a public meeting held at Cowdenbeath Town House on 16th July to consider the future of Cowdenbeath High Street.

A set of proposals has been drawn up for local residents and businesses to consider. These were revealed at a consultation event and exhibition held at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centreon Monday 24th August. The proposals are now on display at Cowdenbeath Library until Wednesday 2nd September.

The options include:-. Town Square. A new town square to be provided on what is known as the ‘gap site’ next to the railway bridge. This would provide a focus for the town centre and space for events, such as a Continental Market, music and civic events. The back of the site would be developed by a Housing Association for housing with ground floor cafes/restaurants/shops.

2. High Street landscaping. Improvements to pavements, seating, railings, bollards and lighting along the length of the High Street.

3. Improvements to pedestrian connections to the High Street. Improving the pedestrian connections between the Leisure centre, Aldi and the High Street, including reducing traffic on Pit Road by closing the junction to the High Street to traffic, improved paving and tree planting.

4. Large lorries. Limiting large lorries’ use of the High Street.

5. Future use of the Town House. Converting the ‘Town House’ for community use and offices for small businesses with a community garden to the rear.

6. North and south gateways to the High Street. Having a ‘gateway’ at either end of the High Street that connects to local history can help improve the sense of identity in Cowdenbeath.

7. Improvements to the railway bridge. Lighting and re-painting the railway bridge to make this a key feature of the High Street.

8. Building tidy-up and repair. A scheme to encourage owners to repair and tidy up buildings along the High Street.

9. Shop front improvements. A scheme to encourage owners to improve their shop fronts along the High Street.

People who were unable to attend the event have the opportunity to complete a questionnaire about the proposals at Cowdenbeath Library or via a link on the Our Cowdenbeath Facebook page.

Local councillor and High Street Champion of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Peter Lockhart felt that the options tabled were well received.

"There are some very good ideas among the package and I think the ideas about developing the Green Square were partiicularly well received," he said.

"I hope that the people of the town ensure that they make their opinions known on all the suggestions as we hope that this will move forward quickly."