KELTY and Lumphinnans may have their own permanent Christmas trees soon, as part of a special funding stream channelled by Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

The Cleaner Tidier Fife Fund has been running since 2015 in the communities under the committee's umbrella with £30,000 each year set to be split evenly between Wards 7 and 8, providing match funding for works undertaken by Fife Council's Parks, Streets and Open Spaces team.

Policy Officer, Patricia Galfskiy, said that the funding is traditionally used to undertake projects that are outwith the core work of the team but which enhances and improves the public realm and includes costs associated with Christmas tree purchase and supporting the festive lighting in the various communities.

Ms Galfskiy said that Fife wide a decision had been taken that for future years that planting of permanent Christmas trees for each community be pursued which would have an initial expense, but would be a saving going forward.

She added: "It is recommended that in consultation with the Lumphinnans and Kelty communities a permanent tree be planted for the 2020 period and for Benarty and Lochgelly, options be explored for the siting of permanent trees there for 2021."

Cowdenbeath and Kelty Councillor, Alex Campbell, said: "I think after the year that we have had through the Covid-19 crisis, it is very important that we ensure that the communities are supported at this time and that Christmas 2020 is something which is really special.

"We have to remember that at present the various groups that organise things like festive lighting in communities, are finding it difficult to raise funds at the moment."

The committee also was told that the Christmas lighting for Cowdenbeath High Street and Lumphinnans is as per a contract with Blacher. In relation to festive lights in Lochgelly and Crossgates, the communities have private contracts with Blacher with both applying on an annual basis for LCP grant support (£2,000 for Lochgelly and £1,000 for Crossgates).

Cardenden, Hill of Beath, Kelty and Benarty Christmas lights are installed by Fife Council.

Ballingry Councillor, Lea McLelland, reminded the committee that the currently in Benarty there was a Christmas tree at the Benarty Centre and one at the Miners Memorial Garden, which is purchased by Benarty Events Group.

Committee convener, Councillor Linda Erskine, agreed that it was important that the Christmas 2020 was a special one after the problems endured by communities through Covid-19.