'Shabby' Dunfermline is council top target

Gary Fitzpatrick • Published 1 Jun 2012 09:00 33 Comments

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BREATHING new life into the centre of Dunfermline is a top priority for the new Fife Council administration.

Council leader Alex Rowley believes the appearance of parts of the city centre is "shabby" and is concerned by the number of empty shops.

There have been various expensive masterplans drawn up by consultants over the years, which all ended up gathering dust on a shelf.

Now Councillor Rowley wants the council to lead from the front and is planning to hold a public meeting soon with retailers and the various interest groups.

The new council leader wants to see the tourist profile of Dunfermline raised, maximising its potential and highlighting its remarkable history from Malcolm Canmore and Saint Margaret to Robert the Bruce and Andrew Carnegie.

"Obviously there are many groups who are involved in Dunfermline and a lot of effort put in but unfortunately the town centre is looking shabby," said Councillor Rowley.

"It's not the vibrant, busy centre you see in other towns and it is not making the most of its potential as a tourist destination.

"As ancient capital of Scotland with a great history,the Abbey, the Carnegie birthplace, Pittencrieff Park, we should be attracting more people here. A lot of businesses have obviously put in a lot of investment and a lot of hard work and we have to help them receive the rewards for this."

Councillor Rowley met up with the Press in the High Street last Friday and said, "It's a lovely day but there's not as many here as you'd expect."

One issue that is likely to be raised by the public in connection with the High Street is pedestrianisation.

The street is in theory a pedestrian area but disabled cars and delivery lorries make it potentially hazardous especially for those shopping with young children.

Councillor Rowley continued, "Dunfermline has a great history and a great story to tell. The story of Andrew Carnegie, for example, has great appeal to an American audience but we are not attracting them in the numbers we should be.

"We need to find a way to tap into the huge tourist market on our doorstep in Edinburgh and let them know about the ancient capital.

"There should be storyboards here in the High Street telling that story and helping visitors find the places of interest.

"We need to make Dunfermline much more visitor-friendly and that all ties in with the appearance.

"You don't want to attract people here and then have them disappointed with the place not looking its best.

"It's not as if we have spent a lot of money creating visitor attractions. They are all here, the Abbey, Abbot House, Pittencrieff Park.

"Perhaps over the years people have taken all these things for granted because we've grown up with them.

"We need to realise Dunfermline has a great story to tell and go out and let people know about it."

Councillor Rowley is keen to hear as many views as possible over the future of the city centre but is determined that the consultation will be followed up by concrete proposals and action.

"The potential is there and I believe the council can provide the leadership to make the city centre a vibrant place for people to come, to visit and to shop.

"There have been recent success stories such as the Alhambra being saved and now attracting thousands of people into Dunfermline with the knock-on benefits that brings for other businesses.

"We need to build on successes and along with new area committee chair, Mike Rumney, we'll be working hard to make a difference."

What's your view on the future of Dunfermline city centre? Post your comment below or visit the Press Facebook page.

This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 08 Jun 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Monet1
30 posts
Jun 1, 09:13
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The last administration ensured we got the spending on our sports facilities first - Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy are in progress. Kirkcaldy got its High Street revamped first and Dunfermline was next.

Typical of Rowley to claim credit for something someone else has already Done!!!

Recommend? Yes 26 No 2
Dunfyresident
66 posts
Jun 1, 13:44
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I agree with the article comment about the High Street being a so-called 'pedestrian zone'! Not so long ago I was up there - there was a fairly continuous stream of traffic, so impossible to walk down any part of the 'road', but also a pain to have to navigate around the load of cars and vans parked on the 'pavement' area. The tag of pedestrianisation should just be removed - it would be a lot safer than making people imagine that they are free to roam about (as they should do in a pedestrianised area). Even heading towards the High Street, past the 'Somewhere Else' pub, I saw some people being chased off the side of the road by an idiot in a 4x4 - they were literally squashed against the wall!

Recommend? Yes 31 No 0
ItsErnie
202 posts
Jun 1, 14:00
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Don't knock Mr. Rowley! Anyone with half an eye can see that Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes have for years guzzled far more than their fair share of council spending whilst Dunfermline has been ignored. Who can walk down the High Street and think that it is a credit to the council? It's little wonder that traders are reluctant to open and shoppers reluctant to visit. So all power to your elbow Mr. Rowley - maybe at long last we'll get something back for all of our council tax which has been sucked into Kirkcaldy.

And I too couldn't agree more about the so-called pedestrianisation. It would almost be acceptable if the so-called disabled didn't sprint around more ably than I can (in my 70's but not "disabled") and then tear along the High Street arrogantly hooting at anyone who dares to hold them up. You even see people with blue badges ferrying their able-bodies families to the shops to save them a walk! There are plenty of disabled parking spaces in the car parks so give the High Street back to the pedestrians and then maybe a few more will drop by.

And on the same subject how about removing all of the endless billboards which clutter whet's left of the Street after the so-called disabled have hogged it? You can hardly walk without knocking into adverts for phones, spectacles and goodness knows what else. Clear the lot away and make it look more like what it is supposed to be - a PEDESTRANISED HIGH STREET!

Recommend? Yes 38 No 2
maclam
317 posts
Jun 1, 14:09
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the pedestrianised high street area is an absolute joke , entry and parking regulations no longer seem to apply with little checks made on vehicles entering or parking in the area . the regulations in place are supposed to apply 24 hours a day but no one in authority seems to care after 4 pm. the matter of advertising boards which litter the area is another matter with any promises to look into the problems they cause for pedestrians forgotten.

has anyone seen a traffic warden lately ? .

Recommend? Yes 36 No 2
char
131 posts
Jun 2, 01:38
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Rowley has it spot on. Why promote a place only for it to potentially disappoint? The tourist signs are an absolute disgrace. Most are all faded or damaged.

Get rid of the cars and delivery lorries, remove the A-boards, start fining the litterers. Then spend some cash redoing all the paving on the High Street and surrounding areas. This doesn't cost masses of cash.

It's time to stop talking and actually do something. Dunfermline is growing and people need to be attracted to the centre before they get used to travelling elsewhere.

Recommend? Yes 14 No 3
stormxxx
133 posts
Jun 2, 02:47
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It should have been left well alone in the 80's. Before the Kingsgate was built..this was a busy, thriving town. Carnegie Drive was always busy when the bus station was there..see Fife Council..if it aint broke!! I have seen an empty High St on many occasion but i see it getting quieter and quieter..i dont like Dunfermline anymore!! Tolerated it after loving it but the spark has now gone and i cant see it ever comin back : (((

Recommend? Yes 9 No 4
kaka30
310 posts
Jun 2, 09:12
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The potential for a great High Street is definiatley there but money must be spent on it. The cars are a problem & this needs to be addressed but for me a good shopping centre is where there are lots of independant traders to compliment the brand name stores.

The charity shops etc need to be replaced with proper shops & for this to happen there needs to be some kind of incentive like cheaper rates for the first two years of trading.

Recommend? Yes 20 No 1
B2theB
145 posts
Jun 2, 10:07
Report comment

@ Char,

I see your point, but if you ban delivery lorries, you won't have any stock in the shops.

Perhaps a better solution would be to have a system similar to that in areas of Stirling where the road is vehicle free between certain times.

IIRC, it's 11 am and 4 pm.

The system is controlled by barriers, so access is controlled, only authorised vehicles can access during permitted hours, saves all the chancers who'll "just nip down".

Especially since a large propotion of the vehicles don't actually have anyone in them who would be what you would traditionally think of as "disabled"

Recommend? Yes 15 No 0
ChuckD
64 posts
Jun 2, 10:39
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you can't just have shops in the city centre, you need business'. Mixed-use buildings are a good idea. Moving the college into town is the best idea, even if it's small at first, I can think of two empty former council buildings which accommodate that easily.

Recommend? Yes 6 No 5
itsallwentpetetong2012
145 posts
Jun 2, 11:37
Report comment

Well said the councilor , i agree with the comments above , we should get rid of the cars in the high street as i was in Stirling(better shopping experience) the other weekend and it was so relaxing to be on there high street and not get run over by some idiot driver or hit by a lorry.

Dunfermline has a bigger population than Stirling & Livingston but we all choose to shop at these destinations because of the better variety of shops, better parking,better shopping experience

Here are my suggestions to make Dunfermline High Street a better shopping experience.

1.Install retractable bollards at the top of the Queen Anne Street for access to delivery drivers only no other drivers at all.

2.Fill in the gap site that was the Coop building with a Flagship Shop Store so bringing people to that end of the High Street. i.e Superdry Shop,TK Maxx,Zara Ect

3.Lower the RATES that we charge so we can attract new shops ect

4.Let all the pubs have outdoor seating so attaching cafe culture, ie with the new JDW opening up(they can't do it at the moment as a idiot driver would crash into it)

5.Build a Multi Store Carpark at Wilmer Street(Access Via High Street-Exit Via East Port) so taking all cars off the High Street and its not along walk to access the High Street and it would also be used for people parking there cars to see shows at the Albrahama and the future Dunfermline Museum. Livingston & Stirling Both have similar parking.

6.Stop opening up the same kind of shops in the High Steet. I E Bakers ,Hairdressers ECT , more variety of shops like what we have in St Andrews,Stirling & Livingston.

7.Its good that we opening a new Cafe in the Glen but we do not take take advantage of this a tourist attraction with its lovely walks ect, we need more in the park to bring the tourist in.

8.Get a move on with the Urban Village that we have been promised long ago with the new Tesco site as well.

8.Thanks to people like the Albrahama and Rubens that show us if you have got a good idea you can succeed in Dunfermline.

It is so good that a councilor has actually noticed this instead of sitting it his ivory tower.

Let bring Dunfermline into the 21 Century and make a place that we enjoying shopping and visiting.

Recommend? Yes 32 No 4
char
131 posts
Jun 2, 20:56
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B2theB, would you believe Dunfermline already DOES restrict the access hours...no-one pays any attention though.

Moving the college at least partly to the Co-op site would make a lot of sense.

Recommend? Yes 0 No 4
B2theB
145 posts
Jun 2, 22:53
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Char, yes, I know that, but automatic bollards would make a much better defence than traffic wardens or police officers.

Both of these species are normally seen in your local fast food establishment or bakery putting the "begging suit" (uniform) to it's best use.

Invisible deterrents are no use to modern society. A physical barrier is required.

Recommend? Yes 11 No 1
chasfam
1 post
Jun 3, 04:46
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I was born in Dunfermline, have now lived in Australia for 40 years and am saddened by what I find in Fife when I return to visit.

It is time parents taught their children that rubbish bins are there for a purpose, not decoration. I am astounded that residents of what was once a beautiful town treat it with such disrespect.

The High Street desperately needs re-vamping, there is nothing there to keep you in the town after you have spent some time in shops, and nothing at the bottom of the High Street to entice tourists to any of the historic attractions or The Glen.... the "signs" all need to be refurbished and made more prominent.

I wish the councillors, and residents, good luck with their campaign to rejuvenate the town and make it a place to be proud of again.

Recommend? Yes 10 No 0
Mikeintheknow
37 posts
Jun 3, 21:11
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People please Stop believing moving the college is a good idea, there is no where big enough to build it, its a sad fact. But of course the town is bad for this, look at the Kingsgate new section so many small units!

Monet1 what crap! I nor any other Dunfermline resident knows about these so called plans for improving the High street made by the The last administration. Of course Kirkcaldy has improved High street, and a new a sports facilities being built, we can all see who get priority!

What happened to the plans for the complete makeover of Bridge street made by the snp years ago?

Recommend? Yes 3 No 5
lennon18
2 posts
Jun 3, 22:33
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Dunfermline town centre is a joke. The High Street must be the only pedestrianised zone in the whole of Scotland where traffic seems to be given priority over the pedestrians! And any enforcement of "No traffic between the hours of X and Y" only ever happens for a couple of weeks after it's mentioned in the paper, then fades away.

The Kingsgate extension is a joke as well; whenever you walk through the centre, the muzak over the tannoy boasts that it has over 50 stores open seven days a week... most of them have never opened in the first place, or simply relocated from the upper end of the High Street that isn't filled with charity shops! And the way that Debenhams is lauded, you would think that Fortnum & Mason had decided to relocate here from London; the extension to the Kingsgate was built so Dunfermline could at least attempt to compete with places such as Livingston and Stirling, and it's failed to do so.

On top of all that, any time you go into town, you get accosted by salespeople from LoveFilm in the shopping centre, or accosted by soul-less agency workers, begging for Direct Debits for charities on the High Street that they dont work for or believe in, these people don't pester you because they're doing it out of the goodness of their hearts... for the few places worth actually coming to Dunfermline for, is it any wonder they're put off?!

Recommend? Yes 15 No 1
zizizi
3 posts
Jun 4, 10:49
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Access barriers into the high street for delivery lorries and allow them access during certain times only i.e. between 6am and 9am. Disabled parking nearby but NOT on the highstreet itself. Reduce the rent and get some businesses back in, not charity shops, card shops, sports shops, hairdressers or mobile phone shops, but boutiques and cafe's (that open late). Dunfermline dies at 5:30pm in the evening, there's nothing to do after then but go to a pub or go home!!

Recommend? Yes 12 No 0
MrShades
9 posts
Jun 4, 11:42
Report comment

So many points raised! Where to begin?

Dunfermline has some lovely spots such as Pittencrieff park, the Abbey, the Abbots House. As for the shopping, it some wonderful independent shops and cafes dotted around the lower reaches of the high street and surrounding streets which deserve far more trade than they currently receive. Over the years we as a society have benefited (or suffered) from getting everything quicker, people have become lazier, they're not prepared to walk down the high street "it's too far", or act pathetic "but it's raining" (rain won't kill you, get over yourself) and go for a wander around the park on a sunny day. How do you change people's attitudes when they have (d)evolved so far so they are accustomed to convenience and not having to put the effort in, and feel that to do so is unacceptable. What do I suggest? Stop being lazy, go investigate what exists down by the far end of the high street, explore some of the surrounding streets, go for a walk in the park. It's great exercise and a little window shopping never hurt anyone, you might find something nice for yourself or something else.

The high street in Kirkcaldy is awful, Glenrothes is just awful full stop, it's a classic new town gone wrong. When I recently walked along Kirkcaldy I was horrified, OK the pedstrianisation looks good, the lack of shops, the Mercat having one of it's key shops at the main entrance lying empty. Plenty of empty or cheap and nasty looking shops along the high street. Surprisingly McDonalds moved out of the high street there. While money has been put in, something has gone very wrong, the idea of their new Sports centre and replacing the swimming pool, has caused mass upset among shoppers because it results in removing what they regard as an essential car park. Whatever (if anything) that's being done to attract businesses and shops is clearly not working. I would not say Kirkcaldy had an "improved high street" at all. I'm all for re-paving the high street, but it also requires something to be done to attract more shops and businesses, also more unique or independent retailers will help draw in more people. On top of this encouraging local people to explore and not restrict themselves to the Kingsgate, which is also feeling a tad tired, empty spaces, the same kinds of shops you'd get on any high street. While I appreciate such shops are essential to a high street's survival, in an ideal work they'd be encouraged to move to premises along the high street, I know that's a mad pipe dream, but it would work, if say Primark had moved in near the park across several buildings (the Council helping out with planning permission), people would venture that far, particularly in our age of austerity. Whatever happens Dunfermline needs to ensure it does not repeat the mistakes that are Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.

I also agree with the comments about automated bollards on the high street restricting delivery and disabled access. If more disabled parking was required, then the council can convert more of the existing parking bays into keep them off the high street. I feel compelled to point out that I DO NOT agree with the comments made regarding the disabled. People can have blue badges for a variety of reasons, whether it's due to a personal injury, which gives them more of a right to have parking near places because it makes their life much harder than someone who is more able, or whether it's the parent of an autistic child, if you have a problem with blue badge issue, maybe you should try living as such a person for a week, pop along to to the local DIY store and try out some power tools and perform a bit of self amputation at the same tine and see how well you cope. Or why not superglue a pair of head phones with a child constantly asking odd, infuriating questions, the sounds of tantrums and get one of you friends to follow you around for 12 hours and shout at and kick you every so often, between say 8am and 8pm and you might begin to understand the situations that some people are forced to face day in day out. It's not so straight forward and clear cut as you think it is. Remember you are also only seeing a "window" on that's person's life when you seem them parking or driving along the high street, you don't have the full picture so how can you make an "informed and educated" judgement? You can't. You might not think it's fair, but this allows people who have particularly difficult or stressful lives to make things that little bit more bearable. Society requires tolerance and understanding and less of this childish "It's not fair." attitude. Life's not fair, we just have to make the most of it and not be unpleasant to other people. You would think we were living under a Tory council and MP/MSP with this Tory attitude that everyone who is disabled or on benefits is "at it" that people seem to be displaying.

I agree with the comment that a cafe culture should be encouraged. How many of us would like to have a coffee or a tea in a sterile, cold white shopping centre with people milling around, or would you prefer somewhere with a bit of character with more natural lighting?

As for the 'Charity Muggers' if anyone is having trouble with them. May I suggested screaming "GO AWAY" loudly and repeatedly until they leave you alone? I don't know how many of you are aware that these people are "paid" to get you to sign up, and your donation of £2 a month isn't going to cover the cost of the wages of the person who harassed you so in fact, the charity is losing money unless said person makes enough money. Why not go on-line instead and find a charity that's close to you or that you would prefer to support and either raise some money for them, or set up a monthly direct debit instead of being harassed into it by some unpleasant pushy salesman?

Kudos to itsallgonepetetong2012, some excellent points.

Recommend? Yes 12 No 5
MrShades
9 posts
Jun 4, 12:18
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Let us not forget that Dunfermline High Street has not sunk as low (to the best of my knowledge) as Kirkcaldy, at least the toilets in the various facilities including the Kingsgate do not have blue lights in the cubicles to stop junkies shooting up in them like the Mercat or some Kirkcaldy pub.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 2
HaroldAngryperson
8 posts
Jun 4, 12:34
Report comment

How about deterring the sub-human morons that wander around swearing at the top of their voices within earshot of children? I'm fed up with these cretins.

Recommend? Yes 16 No 25
B2theB
145 posts
Jun 5, 12:37
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MrShades, Ihow do you know I don't know what it's like to be "disabled" ?

Simple answer, you don't.

However, even speaking as someone who is "disabled", on more than one count, some "disabilities" do not require that one parks right outside the door of the shop.

Nor do they give one the right to force one's way down the High Street, revving our engines and bullying pedestrians out of the way.

Especially since the "disabled" person is probably not even in the car half the time.

To avoid the "my need is greater than yours" disability competition, then ban all cars. No exceptions.

Other city centres appear to manage.

And disabled people in other cities still appear to manage to get their shopping done.

Recommend? Yes 12 No 1
ningin
85 posts
Jun 5, 13:05
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has neillyjo gone to a better environment....surely he would have an opinion on this debacle....early morning deliveries might get the traffic off the pedestrian zones....

Recommend? Yes 0 No 1
MrShades
9 posts
Jun 5, 14:07
Report comment

B2theB - I have not stated whether or not I am disabled. However I did overlook the comments on harassing pedestrians on the high street when I replied. I should have probably posted individually for each issue to avoid missing things.

Under no circumstances do I condone disabled drivers bad behaviour or acting like they own the road, this is of course out of order. I would suggest where possibly noting a description of who was driving, the car registration and making a complaint to the council who I believe issue the Blue Badges to try and highlight irresponsible users and abuses.

I also agree that the high street should have barriers put keep it a 'true' pedestrian zone during core hours, say 9 or 10am-5pm. Also I did mention making more disabled bays available is areas off the high street, the idea with that was that it would hopefully pacify any complaints from some disabled drivers, if the high street access was removed. Whether that is 'right' or not is up for discussion.

And to go with this post a little music - I'm not going to post a link but feel it appropriate to look up 'Blue Badge Abuser' by Half Man Half Biscuit on YouTube.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 1
dunlop321
1 post
Jun 5, 18:50
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do you mean DUMP FERMLINE or dunfermline it,s a mess after spending all that time the pool was closed nothing in it for kids going in to the pool for the first time after it opened a lady was coming out with 2 kids little boy said MUM CAN WE GO TO BURNTISLAND NEXT TIME says it all kids want at least slides in a pool i presume that,s why he didn,t want to go back to carnegie pool a small place like burnisland has a bit of fun in it for kids PLANNERS---- take heed we need all the custom we can get DUNFERMLINE IS A CITY ------------I THINK ?

Recommend? Yes 4 No 3
daviebhoy67
20 posts
Jun 6, 21:59
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Dunfermline is not a City, it's a Town. If people keep calling it a City, it doesn't make it happen. Maybe that is why Tesco are dragging their heels, part of the deal is Dunfermline has to be a City first before the build their proposed "City centre store".

I think the "Pogues" wrote a song about Dunfermline once. "Dirty old town".

Recommend? Yes 6 No 6
kaka30
310 posts
Jun 7, 09:37
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I dont consider Dunfermline a City but its not a bad Town to stay in. Every body keeps knocking it & offcourse there is room for improvement, just like verywhere else i would imagine.

Other Fife Towns & the likes of Falkirk & Alloa dont have the layout & character of Dunfermline. Get the shops. High Street, infrastructure around the Town Centre sorted out & im sure we will all see the benifits.

Recommend? Yes 3 No 1
Calimero
70 posts
Jun 7, 12:16
Report comment

It's all the durg users that hang about the Kingsgate entrance at Louigis that annoy me. I used to like sitting outside in that lovely wee cafe at the entrance but I dont now because they just come annoy the customers and cause no end of problems for the cafe owners. Also some of the people selling the Big Issue are also often in a total state and cant even string a sentence together of stand up straight let alone sell magazines.

Recommend? Yes 5 No 34
itsallwentpetetong2012
145 posts
Jun 7, 23:08
Report comment

Well said the councilor , i agree with the comments above , we should get rid of the cars in the high street as i was in Stirling(better shopping experience) the other weekend and it was so relaxing to be on there high street and not get run over by some idiot driver or hit by a lorry.

Dunfermline has a bigger population than Stirling & Livingston but we all choose to shop at these destinations because of the better variety of shops, better parking,better shopping experience

Here are my suggestions to make Dunfermline High Street a better shopping experience.

1.Install retractable bollards at the top of the Queen Anne Street for access to delivery drivers only no other drivers at all.

2.Fill in the gap site that was the Coop building with a Flagship Shop Store so bringing people to that end of the High Street. i.e Superdry Shop,TK Maxx,Zara Ect

3.Lower the RATES that we charge so we can attract new shops ect

4.Let all the pubs have outdoor seating so attaching cafe culture, ie with the new JDW opening up(they can't do it at the moment as a idiot driver would crash into it)

5.Build a Multi Store Carpark at Wilmer Street(Access Via High Street-Exit Via East Port) so taking all cars off the High Street and its not along walk to access the High Street and it would also be used for people parking there cars to see shows at the Albrahama and the future Dunfermline Museum. Livingston & Stirling Both have similar parking.

6.Stop opening up the same kind of shops in the High Steet. I E Bakers ,Hairdressers ECT , more variety of shops like what we have in St Andrews,Stirling & Livingston.

7.Its good that we opening a new Cafe in the Glen but we do not take take advantage of this a tourist attraction with its lovely walks ect, we need more in the park to bring the tourist in.

8.Get a move on with the Urban Village that we have been promised long ago with the new Tesco site as well.

8.Thanks to people like the Albrahama and Rubens that show us if you have got a good idea you can succeed in Dunfermline.

It is so good that a councilor has actually noticed this instead of sitting it his ivory tower.

Let bring Dunfermline into the 21 Century and make a place that we enjoying shopping and visiting.

Cmon lets get this moving and make Dunfermline a a exciting place to shop

Recommend? Yes 4 No 6
maclam
317 posts
Jun 8, 08:56
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not much use having seating provided on the pavements outside pubs , the present regulations forbid the consumption of alchohol in public places.

Recommend? Yes 7 No 0
kaka30
310 posts
Jun 10, 10:10
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I see the Seven Kings now has a seating area out front.

I think the laws dont apply if the Pub sells food but i may be wrong.

I do know that ive had many a pint in Rose Street Edinburgh, outside without ordering food.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0
Robert Burdock
17 posts
Jun 10, 20:25
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Kaka30 - as far I know there's no law against public drinking in Edinburgh.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0
hidinidentity
10 posts
Jun 13, 12:57
Report comment

i live basicaly on the high street n a grudge goin into the centre just due to the fact theyr is notihng theyr atall. the high street is a disgrace. where is stay i dont even have parking we have to pay for parking even though we live here which is a disgrace.

the old abandonded buliding next to the food stop shoould be turned into residential parking for the white flats next to the building

and as for the building tescos a see them every day and when i do they dnt even be seen to do anythign apart from standing talking.

no one is doing anything about anything no wonder dunfermline is loosin alot they need to stop spendin money or notihng and consider actualy doing something constructive that people will actually want to see instead of building shops that are going to be closed within a few month of opening

when am in the kingsgate i see more card shops than anything else surley we dont need alot of card shops when we should be concentrating on things we reali need

sick of seeing usless things in the shoping centre when we dnt need to have it who comes up with these ideas its a digrace and should be sorterd out

Recommend? Yes 2 No 2
shawshoose
3 posts
Jun 15, 16:49
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Dunfermline is an embarrassment to the Fife district. You wouldn,t think that we are rich in history and Royal importance. We turned Erskine church into a kiddies play area, now we want to make it a cafe or office area. We are talking about making the old fire station an art museum. Iv'e never heard the likes. The building is an eyesore and should be levelled. What are the planners thinking about....

There seems to be a total disconnect between what the public would like to see and what Dunfermline councillors vision is for the future of Dunfermline. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians in my opinion....

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0
Gerry13
5 posts
Jun 20, 13:41
Report comment

Ok, here goes :0). I was an elected member in the last administration and for years have complained to Fife Council officers and other councillors about the standard of the Town shopping area. Poor quality, cheaply made product's (M&S) take note.

Poor customer care in some of the shops, litter everywhere and building's badly neglected or empty. When I complained as a councillor and the Press kindly supported my story, I was taken to task by senior councillors and the head of Development service when he found out I had taken photographic evidence of the squalor we have in our town centre.

I support the Press for highlighting once more this situation but I'm afraid until property owners get their act together, the Town Centre management become more commercially astute, outlets provide better quality of service and Fife Council take PRIDE in Dunfermline then I'm afraid we will still languish in despair. However if everyone takes pride and the commercial bodies clean up their act along with the Town Centre management, then we may have a chance. But I fear Dunfermline is in the hands of amateur's and people who have only their own interest at heart.

Recommend? Yes 1 No 0

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