SHUTTER art and screen icon Marilyn Monroe have given ‘The Bronx’ of Kelty a much needed facelift.

Kelty Community Council, Kelty Street Art Collective and Fife Council launched the Blackhall Square Regeneration Project to transform the derelict run of shops with famous paintings and murals. 

Claire Hutchison wanted to brighten up the square and reached out to local artists to help make it a reality.

She said: "When I became a community councillor I asked myself what could I do to bring colour to that area. It was so neglected and rundown. Blackhall Square could be the first place you see when coming into Kelty, and it doesn't make for a good first impression.

"The community have been totally behind us and we're receiving messages every day on Facebook thanking us for doing this.

"Some residents have had to look at this horrible sight for ages, but we're hoping this will make them feel more positive about the area."

The 77th Fife Kelty Church Scout Group cleaned and provided a fresh canvas for Kelty artist Celie Byrne to put her talents to good use.

Celie, the head project painter for Kelty Street Art Collective, said the area was known locally as 'The Bronx' and added: "Blackhall Square was grubby, unkept and unloved. The intention was to make it as striking as possible. This isn't graffiti, it's fine art.

"We've spent a lot of hours working on it and the feedback has all been incredibly lovely. I do feel it's lifted the spirits of people in the area.

"I came up with the idea of having famous paintings that weren't controversial, but were familiar and colourful.

"I hope it could perhaps lead to more original art being produced and making the area more colourful."

She continued: "Vanessa Gibson and her son, Ben, have put in the hours as well and they've been a great help.

"It would be brilliant if we could have it finished in time for the Kelty Gala on Saturday, June 24. Rain has been a nightmare at times, but we've soldiered on and we're making great progress."

Kids from the local youth group braved heavy rain on Monday night to start work on a Jackson Pollock-inspired piece on one of the shutters as more members of the community got involved.