THE problems being caused by the coronavirus situation are continuing to mount as the local towns and villages find themselves losing services.

In Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly the impact has seen the likes of Lochgelly Centre closed and local libraries closed.

Indeed, the situation at the Centre has put the spanner in the works of the new arrangement we have with the assistance of the management of the facility, and the very helpful staff at the cafe, who have made us very welcome.

In the interim we will be going back to our old office, at 17 Bank Street, where I will be available on Mondays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm, until the Centre re-opens.

Perhaps one of the most worrying aspects for many people has been the change in shopping habits where people have been emptying shelves in bursts of panic buying.

It has made people find some items hard to come by, especially toilet rolls and tinned items, but hopefully the need for this sort of approach to shopping will start to die down.

The closure of the 17 primary schools, and Beath and Lochgelly Highs, has brought with it its own problems for mums and dads who are having to find childcare services.

It is something that has come around very suddenly and it will pose some difficulties and it could be a situation that goes on for quite a bit after the Easter holiday break.

The churches are not immune to problems with all services and social activities suspended for the foreseeable future due to the desire by the authorities to keep the numbers of people gathering to as few as possible.

But spare a thought for the over 70s, who are a key part of the 'at risk' sector, most of whom are having to alter their routines after being encouraged not go out too often. Many are finding it difficult to adjust to not being able to meet their friends, but hopefully they can stay safe and this crisis will be over sooner rather then later.