THE opportunity to shape the future for Cowdenbeath generated an enthusiastic response when representatives of local organisations, and individuals attended a public meeting in the Maxwell Centre in October.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust will support local residents to research and develop a 5-Year Community Action Plan, and they will also put up a £20,000 participatory budget to help get priority projects off the ground.

And the people of the town are asked to go along to an event on Monday to take the initiative to a crucial stage.

Pauline Grandison, Programme Manager, said the Coalfields Community Futures Programme is one of the Trust’s most successful initiatives, with 40 mining communities, like Cowdenbeath, already benefitting from the way it helps local organisations work together to identify and implement improvement programmes for their areas.

An important date for community groups in Cowdenbeath is Monday November 12, at the Maxwell Centre, between 4pm and 7pm, where they can go long to a drop-in funding session to find out more and see if your group qualifies.

Another date for residents and groups in Cowdenbeath is Sunday December 9 at 12.30 – 3.30, again at the Maxwell Centre when the community are being invited to take part in a ‘Have Your Say’ session as the first step to shaping the town’s future for the next five years.

Residents are also asked to look out for a survey which may come through your door to ask for your views. There are survey drop off boxes at the town's Library, Brunton House, the Co-op at Dalbeath Crescent and the Maxwell Centre.

You can also complete the survey online at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cowdenbeath

The results of the ‘Have Your Say’ event and surveys will be presented at a ‘Family Fun Day’ where you can vote on what you see as being a priority for Cowdenbeath and take the family along to enjoy free entertainment and refreshments. This event will take place on Saturday January 26 2019 at the Maxwell Centre; look out for further details nearer the time.

Bob Young, Scottish Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said: “We are delighted to welcome Cowdenbeath as the latest community to decide to take the chance to shape their own future.

“This programme puts local people in charge of a process that brings the community together round the common goal of improving their area, and we wish them every success”.

Pauline Grandison added: “It’s not too late for others to join the Steering Group, and anyone interested can contact me at the CRT office on 01259 230910”.