LOCHGELLY has been shortlisted in the 2016 Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum awards (SURF) for Scotland’s Most Improved Town.

The submission to the SURF awards was made by Fife Council and showcased some of the work carried out in Lochgelly over the last 16 years by Fife Council, The Ore Valley Group, Lochgelly Community Development Forum, other community groups and the wider Community.

The submission demonstrated how collaborative and partnership working over a number of years has helped change the face of the former mining town by improving Lochgelly's assets, creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities and outlined the range of community led projects that have been delivered throughout the town.

The submission also highlighted how more recently the community led Lochgelly Community Action plan 2016-2021 was launched covering four themes: Community Activities and Facilities, Environment and Heritage, Infrastructure and Sustainable Lochgelly.

Councillor Mark Hood, chair of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, has expressed his delight at Lochgelly being shortlisted for this prestigious award commenting: “Lochgelly being shortlisted for Scotland’s Most Improved Town award is fantastic news and is well deserved.

"The Lochgelly community alongside partners such as Fife Council and the Ore Valley Group have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to help Lochgelly continuously improve for the people who live, work and visit Lochgelly”

Christine McGrath secretary of the Lochgelly Community Development Forum said that she was 'absolutely delighted that Lochgelly is a finalist for the award' and added: “The town is getting the recognition it deserves after years of hard work by everyone involved."

A big turn around for Lochgelly after twice being nominated for the Carbuncle of the Year award over the past few years.

The winner of Scotland’s Most Improved Town award will be announced in December 2016.