NO one was more surprised than myself when I picked up the Times and learned of the money that is to be spent on the town centre of Cowdenbeath.

Your story said that it will see a major transformation to Cowdenbeath Town Centre replacing tired and worn paving and using high quality materials to highlight key areas within the town such as Brunton Square and the Town Centre greenspace.

'Brunton Square will be transformed into a heritage garden which will reflect the rich mining history of the area. New improved seating will be installed and attractive new raised planting. The mining heritage will be reflected in a number of new features in the square including a mural, information boards and a fence depicting mining scenes

'Work will be done in the greenspace in the centre of the town to turn it into a more formal town square which has been a long term desire in the town. The development of the Town Square will provide a focal point for the community creating more reason for people to cycle/walk into the Town Centre and encourage regular and frequent events as well as creating safe space for family friendly and intergenerational activity to take place. It is hoped that it could become a site for regular events and activity bringing more people into the town centre and helping to support local businesses

Links into the town centre will be improved for both pedestrians and cyclists widening pavements and making specific cycling routes along Pit Road linking with cycling and walking paths coming down form the Fish Tail. Hall Street will be closed off from the High Street allowing access to residents only with paving and road surfacing to help make the links into the town centre from the leisure centre.'

This indeed is certain to bring about a completely new look to the town.

I would think that by the time it is finished Cowden should be next to win Scotland's Most Improved Town award after Lochgelly last year.

However, it will take time for things to happen so it might be 2018 before it comes to Cowdenbeath.

But it must be said that this is really good news and the people who have made it happen deserve the utmost praise.

Some of the pictures of artist's impressions of what the town is going to look like really was impressive.

So we are really looking at a completely new look town centre which is bound to bring new businesses to the area.

Indeed, this is all good news and long may it continue.

SUSTRAN FAN,

Cowdenbeath.