Community councils are being ignored

Sir, – Only a few months ago your newspaper stressed the importance of people coming forward to take on the role of a community councillor – emphasising the part that the community councils play in deciding local issues.

I had no hesitation in putting my name forward, because I care about Cupar, the town I live in.

However, today I have reason to doubt my decision after reading that 11 north-east Fife councillors have approved a retail park on the Old Reekie site in Cupar despite objections from the community council, of which I am the chairman (“Retail park approved but concerns voiced”, Courier, November 29).

We, the 18 community councillors all live in Cupar and have opposed this development from the onset; because of the damage it will do to our town centre, which is already struggling.

It is on a very busy main road into the town and, of more concern, it is on the main pedestrian route to Castlehill Primary School.

Some will argue that we need more shops to keep people in Cupar.

I agree, but there are plenty empty sites within the town, and this would be more beneficial to the town centre.

One of the new units is to be a Costa; we already have two outlets for Costa within the town – do we really need a third?

It is worrying that all our concerns were brushed aside.

What part then do we, the community council, play in all this?

Apparently none – we do not appear to understand the needs of the people of Cupar, the people we represent.

Yet councillors who do not even live in the town appear to know better – we have been completely ignored.

Is it surprising that people don’t want to volunteer to be on community councils? Gina Logan.

5 Hill Street, Cupar.