COWDENBEATH Councillor, Darren Watt, has praised Fife Council for listening to local residents and implementing a mini-roundabout at the junction of McLeod Drive and Bridge Street at the south end of Cowdenbeath, to help traffic flow.

As Bridge Street has got busier and busier cars and other vehicles have found difficulty getting out of the road leading to the car park at the Morrison's Store.

The council has undertaken a consultation process which has seen a min-roundabout chosen as the answer to the problem.

Scottish Conservative Councillor Watt said: “After months of community consultation, careful consideration and in-depth planning, I am absolutely delighted to finally see this mini-roundabout at the junction for Morrisons supermarket.

"This junction has been an ongoing issue for a number of years as it restricted the flow of traffic and vehicles found it particularly difficult to get out of Morrisons at peak times.

"I worked tirelessly alongside local residents, community groups and Fife Council to achieve this and it will prove to be an important and significant addition to our town centre. A traffic light system would of course been the preferred option especially as there is an existing pelican crossing nearby, however, at this time, the cost is far too high.”

Local resident and member of the Cowdenbeath Community Action Plan steering group, Margaret Davidson, said: “When we recently hosted a community consultation event, local roads and traffic was a theme for discussion.

"Along with speeding and potholes, this junction on Bridge Street was a major talking point. Some people said the poor access put them off shopping there and they would often do their shopping out of town. This roundabout will not only make shopping at Morrisons easier but make it better for people visiting our town and the High Street.”

Cllr Watt concluded: “At a time when we need to be supporting our High Street and local businesses, I hope everyone welcomes yet another positive addition to our town centre and will encourage their friends and family to make an effort and visit Cowdenbeath.”