Snub by town centre bosses leaves MSP ‘hugely disappointed’

The failure of Glenrothes town centre bosses to attend a summit on the area’s future has been branded hugely disappointing.

Neither Mars Pensions Trustees, which owns the Kingdom Centre, nor its managing agents LaSalle turned up to the public meeting hosted by MSP Jenny Gilruth.

The SNP MSP said she was concerned by their silence and suggested it sent a strong message to the people of Glenrothes.

The meeting at Rothes Halls on Thursday was attended by Infrastructure Minister Michael Matheson, whose portfolio includes town centres, and who led a question and answer session.

Ms Gilruth said: “This was an extremely useful opportunity for local people to voice their concerns and I was pleased to see attendance from Fife Council officials.”

However, she added: “I am concerned that neither Mars Incorporated nor their managing agents LaSalle sent a representative.

“We need partnership working to improve the Kingdom Centre. That can only happen with Mars and LaSalle’s involvement.

“I am hugely disappointed that neither organisation deemed today’s meeting worthy of their time or contributions. Glenrothes deserves better.”

During the event, Mr Matheson set out the Scottish Government’s goals for spurring on investment in town centres across the country.

He said: “One of the key components of that work is the need for a clear vision.

That has to be formed around what the local community wants and needs.

“The growth in online sales is impacting on high streets and town centres all over the country, which has undoubtedly created problems for town centres.”

Mr Matheson said the government could assist by working in partnership with local authorities and others to bring open spaces alive.

Neither Mars nor LaSalle could be reached for comment on their absence from the talks.