Leven, Kennoway & Largo

This is a large and diverse ward where the needs of local people are varied.

It includes the rural areas of Largo and Lundin Links which were once part of north east Fife but were aligned with Levenmouth following boundary changes in 2008.

Residents there argued they had more in common with communities in the north of the region and issues which have affected them include the closure of local facilities, including the library and bank branches.

Elsewhere in the area, Leven town centre has suffered badly during the economic downturn with the loss of shops, pubs and two large banks.

With a higher proportion of elderly people living here than in many other areas of Fife, local services are vital and councillors will be tasked with fighting for their retention despite financial challenges.

Much has been done to improve the area lately and plans are under way to upgrade the shorehead and create better links between the retail park and the high street in a bid to attract more people.

The Promenade, once a mecca for tourists, will be next in line for investment .

Local members have in the past committed financial support for adult education to help people find work in this unemployment blackspot but enhanced transport links are regarded as key to the area’s regeneration.

Campaigning for better bus services and support for the bid to reinstate the Levenmouth rail link will be expected of anyone elected to this ward.

Leven town centre has suffered during the economic downturn.