THE granting of planning permission for a special climbing tower at the Rockgelly project has been welcomed by local councillor Lea McLelland.

The Lochgelly, Benarty and Cardenden member was delighted to see the tower plan get the green light and she feels it will be a big attraction.

An update last October suggested the much anticipated facility in Lochgelly's Bank Street, at the former St Andrews Church building would have been open by now but the complicated conversion of the kirk building has taken longer than expected.

However, planning permission for the new 12 metres high climbing tower came through last month and building work is due to start in February.

Councillor McLelland said this week: "This is all great news for Lochgelly and the area in general.

"This tower will be a challenging feature and is something that will make the facility something that the climbing fraternity will want to tackle.

"But the great thing about Rockgelly is that while it is something that experienced climbers can enjoy using people who want to give climbing a go will enjoy using it too.

"Local people will be welcomed at Rockgelly and at the same time its excellent facilities will provide the sternest challenge for experienced climbers."

She added: "Hopefully the building work will go ahead in February and be complete by the end of the year allowing Rockgelly to open in early 2020.

"While there may have been delays due to the requirements of creating this unique facility in an old building, it is something which will be very much worth waiting for.

"It will attract people to Lochgelly and that will be good for the local economy."