LOCHGELLY Community Councillors and members of the public were given a very informative presentation from NHS Fife on the new proposed health centre for the town.

NHS Manager, Lesley Hyndman, provided an update on the process for developing a new health centre with Francis Street being chosen as the site for the facility.

Echoing the Community Council’s earlier call for continued support from the people of the town, Lesley explained that there are several stages to go through before any sod cutting takes place.

The biggest hurdle to get over is funding and as part of the submission that is being pulled together, the community council was aware of the need to evidence that there is a need for the facility, its match with the NHS Strategy delivery as well as Community Benefit.

Local Community Police Officer, PC Brittany Primeau, provided attendees with an update on Police Scotland activities across the town over the last few months.

Tackling anti-social behaviour has continued to be a task across the whole of Fife, not only in Lochgelly, they have been visiting known hot spots frequently to try and reduce problems. They have visited all local retailers, following concerns from the Community Council about the sale of alcohol to underage people.

The purpose of the visits was to remind them of the licensing regulations and responsibilities in the town.

They have also been visiting local primary schools to talk about bicycle safety and road awareness.

The Community Council have been in discussions with the local Heritage Group about refurbishing and locating the old Town House bell.

Ideally this would be in a locality that is close to the refurbished building, but equally needs to be accessible to everyone.

A wide range of topics which effect the well-being of the town were discussed, these included the need for the Fife Council to take more action to kurb irresponsible dog owners who allow the pets to mess the streets and play parks.

Problems of roadside drains not clearing at various locations across the town and the state of the road surface going down the Eliza Brae were highlighted.

Councillors Linda Erskine and Mark Hood provided updates on their activities, including a town ‘walk-about’ to identify problem areas.

Councillor Erskine highlighted that illegal and irresponsible dumping of household waste was a particular problem in some of the flatted accommodation in Lumphinnans Road.

This was an issue that the Council were tackling through changing bins and communicating with the tenants.

Councillor Hood highlighted that he had been in discussions with the Planning section about the site at The Avenue, particularly to ensure that proper provisions were made for drainage, road surfacing, section 75 monies and so on.

The next meeting of the Community Council is Wednesday March 8, at 6.30pm in Lodge Minto 385. Callum Boath from Home Energy Scotland will be attending to give a presentation on how to save money on fuel bills and keeping your home warm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.