A £70,000 project to fix the road outside Dunfermline’s City Chambers has been put back to February as it will cause “significant disruption”.

Fife Council’s planned works will take place next year to avoid causing chaos to Christmas shoppers, local traders and motorists trying to drive through the city centre.

Councillor Helen Law, the chair of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said, “It has been in the plan since April and we’re trying to get it done at an appropriate time as it will cause significant disruption when it’s undertaken.

“We didn’t want it to happen in the run-up to Christmas so it’s now due to go ahead in February.

“We have to choose the time very carefully as it’s in the centre of Dunfermline, a prominent site and busy road. We’re not sure yet how long the work will take.” It is believed that an ancient culvert, which runs south from under the new Tesco store, has collapsed and caused problems to the road surface where Kirkgate meets High Street.

Work will also begin on a new steel cage to prevent unsightly bins spoiling the look of Dunfermline’s historic quarter and 12th century Abbey.

The proposed bin store next to the category A-listed City Chambers and Old Inn pub has been mired in planning red tape but the blacksmith has now been given the go-ahead to build the cage, which will help hide the bins from view.

Cllr Law added, “It is significant funding but it has to be done.”