ANY negativity about the way things are heading in Cowdenbeath should be nipped in the bud.

Yes there are still problems with anti-social behaviour, especially at the town's First World War Memorial in the Public Park, but all the improvements taking place in the High Street have to be commended.

The South End is being tackled by the SUSTRANS project and the often forgotten North End will see two new stores going up and the much maligned Crown Hotel eyesore take on a new use.

So there is much to be happy about, plus the news that Lottery grants have been awarded which will allow the continuing of the shutter art project which has made such a difference to the High Street, with pupils from Beath High School being given the opportunity to enhance many more grey shop shutters.

Then there are the smaller murals which are to be created in different parts of the town, not of the size of the impressive Brunton Square one, but these are likely to be very impressive nonetheless, which will happen through the successful application for grant support by the Cowdenbeath Community Council.

So it is very much a good time to be a resident of Cowdenbeath.