RESIDENTS of Inverkeithing’s Fraser Avenue will be asked if they want to stay or go as part of Fife Council’s regeneration plans for the street.

They’ll also get wifi and a caretaker – but tenants hoping for expensive new improvements, such as kitchens, will have to wait for new flats to get them.

The developments are part of the interim management plans to revitalise the street, which is in the top 15 per cent of the most deprived areas of the country, according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Its demolition and full redevelopment is supported by councillors, residents and tenants alike, and in August 2013, Fife Council’s executive committee agreed that a master plan be drawn up and a regeneration brief be prepared, expected to take a year.

While timelines have slipped, the council remains committed to the project.

This week, Inverkeithing councillor Lesley Laird told the Press, “There will be letters going out to all residents asking them to contact the council about their housing preferences.

“There’s not going to be the same number of houses when it’s redeveloped so we’d like to know who would like to stay and who would not.

“Under the interim management plan, there’ll be stair lighting, a door entry system and improved energy-efficiency issues, which are under way.

“The council will carry on doing all the routine repairs but because we’re going to be knocking it down, nobody’s going to get a new kitchen but if your boiler’s broken we will fix it.

“There will be a caretaker supporting some of the maintenance to keep the place in good shape.

“Wifi is going to be installed in the community flat and will be helpful in helping people get IT skills, improve confidence and potentially access employment.” Cllr Laird also revealed that lead and housing officers had been appointed, and residents had been asked about what they would like to see in the area – and suggestions have included a new place area, new community centre, money advice service, improved parking and a better range of shops.

She added, “It is also important to remember that this project has been brought forward three years – the previous area committee had not planned to look at this again until 2017.

“I am confident that by working together and engaging with the wider community we can build momentum which in turn will lead to a much more successful project.”