Reversal of fortune for maligned town

Community’s efforts see Fife former mining centre make shortlist for national regeneration award

One of Scotland’s most maligned communities has completed a remarkable transformation.

Lochgelly – once the butt of many unkind comments – may well be the nation’s most improved town.

The former mining community has been shortlisted in the 2016 Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum awards.

The submission to the SURF awards, made by Fife Council, showcased some of the work carried out in Lochgelly over the last 16 years by the local authority, the Ore Valley Group, Lochgelly Community Development Forum, other community groups and the wider community.

It demonstrated how partnership working has helped change the face of the town by improving its assets and creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities. It also outlined the range of community-led projects that have been delivered.

In addition, the submission highlighted how more recently the community-led action plan, running to 2021, was launched covering four themes – community activities and facilities, environment and heritage, infrastructure and sustainable Lochgelly.

Cowdenbeath area committee chairman Mark Hood was delighted that Lochgelly has been shortlisted for this prestigious award, saying it was fantastic news and was well deserved.

“The Lochgelly community alongside partners such as Fife Council and the Ore Valley Group have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to help Lochgelly continuously improve for the people who live, work and visit,” he said.

Christine McGrath from Lochgelly Community Development Forum said: “The town is getting the recognition it deserves after years of hard work by everyone involved.

“The community commitment in Lochgelly is very strong with two new groups, Growing in Lochgelly and Lochgelly Heritage Group, recently starting from the Lochgelly community action plan process.

“These groups are making a positive difference in the town with Growing in Lochgelly improving the town with colourful planters and the Lochgelly Heritage Group giving a focus to the heritage of Lochgelly with five story boards planned for the Lochgelly Heritage Trail.”

Ore Valley Group chief executive Andrew Saunders said the projects showcased in the application, although delivered separately, were very much part of a collaborative masterplan first developed in 2001 in a partnership with the local community, Fife Council and Ore Valley Group.

“A significant difference has been made to Lochgelly which has only been possible due to partners’ commitment to the town,” he added.

Judges from across Scotland were in Lochgelly to see first-hand the work that has been carried out and to learn more from the community about the action plan.

The winner of Scotland’s most improved town award will be announced in December. leclark@thecourier.co.uk See comment on page 26

Picture: Steven Brown. Helga Campbell and grandchildren Kayla, 2, and Leon Campbell, 5, are happy with the changes taking place in Lochgelly.

“ It is up-and-coming, there are a lot of houses being sold very quickly now. They are good for first-time buyers. I have met people from Edinburgh while out walking the dog who have moved here and they can’t get over how friendly it is. Helga...

They did a lot over the summer, they had kids out planting flower beds, and it looked beautiful. There are a lot of new shops now. There is quite a lot going on. There is a difference from the days it was up for the Carbuncle award. Leah Cormack, 25,...

“ We come up and use the local shops and we have seen an improvement. It is cleaner and there is not a lot of empty shops now. It is a nice place to stay. Helen Adam, 47, lives in the “bottom end” of the town.

“ It is fine, there is enough to do, but there isn’t really a community centre. Amy Adam, 14, third-year pupil at Lochgelly High.