AN organisation which spent three decades helping local communities in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Benarty to prevent crime will be wound up next month.

The Central Fife Crime Prevention Panel was set up in May 1991, under the chairmanship of the late George Bird, a Cowdenbeath councillor who was an enthusiastic supporter of the local police force.

Over the past four years membership has gradually diminished and the problems caused by Covid saw the numbers reduce to only four panel members, so the decision was taken to call time.

Chairman Dave Roy said: “Despite a reduction in members over recent years we had managed to keep going, through some great support from the community police team at Cowdenbeath.

"However the problems posed by Covid, I am afraid, saw our numbers drop away dramatically and we were no longer able to engage in public events.

"It is a bit sad after three decades but we are where we are.”

While crime prevention started as the number one item on the agenda, community safety soon became an equally important aspect and the team at Lochgelly Fire Station became very much involved with the group.

The panel organised a whole range of community activities, including an annual senior citizens day every November where local schoolchildren entertained more than 100 veterans and a community champions award which was presented in memory of George Bird.

It also distributed a variety of items to the public, such as personal safety alarms, door alarms, key card defenders and home lighting timers, along with passing on community and crime prevention tips and advice.

Added Dave: “The panel set up emergency safety days which were held at Central Park and saw the police, fire service and armed forces come together to show how emergencies are tackled and these drew crowds of upwards of 2,000 people.

“The panel also sponsored many local activities including the Lochgelly High School car racing team, who made competitive trips to England and the USA, and junior road safety officer events at local schools which allowed the kids to participate in road safety."

The winding-up of the panel has seen a donation to a local scout group who suffered a major set-back when fire destroyed their hall.

Added Dave: “We had our own crockery etc for our Elderly Forum Day so we have decided to donate everything to the Cardenden Scouts.

“They are going through the planning process for a new scout hall and the new crockery will come in handy and save them a bit of money."

Vice-chair, Jim Stark, commented: "The panel would like to thank everyone who has been involved with us over the years including the Cowdenbeath Community Police Team."