OVER the summer period plans are to be formulated on how the area will benefit from a major cash injection.

The Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area is to get a £250,000 boost to develop the local economy.

Fife Council’s policy & co-ordination committee reviewed the final position of the budgets for the 2017-18 financial year and confirmed a £1million investment for economic development in Mid Fife in the year ahead.

And Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard that it was intended that a report on how the injection of funds could be best used locally would come to the September meeting.

Fife Council co-leader, David Ross, said in June: “When we set the budget for 2018-19 in February, we committed to putting up to £1m more into economic development and health and social care if there was enough surplus from 2017-18.

“The report confirmed that the funds are available and the committee agreed to split the additional £1m equally between the Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth areas.

“It’s these parts of Fife that face the greatest economic challenges so this funding will help build a fairer Fife with opportunities for everyone.”

Co-leader David Alexander added: “Our plan for Fife is based on solid research. We know that, in general, the Mid Fife area isn’t doing as well as should be expected based on its demographics.

“Communities are facing high levels of deprivation, significant unemployment, disconnected neighbourhoods and poorer health than other parts of Fife. We’ve got to turn this around.

“£250,000 will be added to each of the existing local community planning budgets for Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth. Local councillors on the area committees will work with officers and communities to decide how this money can be put to best use to develop their local economy.”

The Cowdenbeath Area Committee heard from stand-in Area Manager, Sarah Roxburgh, that there was also the opportunity to seek match funding for projects.

Committee chair, Councillor Linda Erskine said: "This funding package can help make a real difference but we will want to have the right information available to help us decide where the money can be best spent."

A report detailing the way ahead will go before the committee meeting on September 19.