IT was with great sadness, though no surprise, that I heard of Debenhams’ decision to close its branch on Kirkcaldy High Street.

I sit today in a meeting discussing the future of parking, but the town’s beating heart is already dead.

I wish there were a fix forthcoming, but the council is acting as a pallbearer rather than a paramedic.

Woolworths, Tesco, BHS, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams: all gone without replacement.

I fear we have a requiem and no hope of resurrection.

I hope other communities in Fife do not suffer in the same way as Kirkcaldy has.

COUNCILLOR RICHARD WATT,

Kirkcaldy East.