Town in urgent need of revival

Sir, – It is important to remember that the description of Cowdenbeath as the “Chicago of Fife” was made in the late 19th Century (The Courier, December 16).

We need to make some allowance for the pawky Fife sense of humour and the quite startling growth in the coal industry in the town at that time.

I wonder what its civic ancestors would make of the condition of its High Street today, and the divisions within the town over what to do about it.

Civic pride can often be gauged by the condition of buildings at its main entrances.

The condition of the old Crown Hotel at its north end is not just appalling, it is a disgrace.

Further along, the Town House – one of the most distinctive buildings in the region – is unused, while a gap site just south of the railway station badly needs to be filled.

Along the thoroughfare there is an atmosphere not just of decay, but of despair.

It is simply not enough for Fife Council to say this is only one town centre management problem. It is one that needs to be given the highest priority.

More than half a century ago nearly everyone in the area had a job but housing conditions in the main were terrible.

Today housing in the town is of a very good standard but the lack of jobs is reflected in the condition of the High Street. That is still no excuse for the local authority to shrug its shoulders about it.

Revitalising this famous street needs to be at the top of the agenda. Bob Taylor. 24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.