THE use of body cameras by taxi marshals and door stewards have helped to reduce the number of late-night incidents in Dunfermline town centre.

Efforts to step up safety have been ongoing and members of the City of Dunfermline area committee heard last week about the work to boost the evening/night-time economy and attract more in.

Councillors approved an application from Dunfermline Delivers for £22,500 to support various community safety events across the Dunfermline area and help initiatives including taxi marshals, bus marshals, safe zone support, winter lighting, Shop Safe and Pubwatch.

This has helped Dunfermline receive, and retain, a purple flag which recognises excellence in the management of town and city safety at night.

Community development team manager Shirley Melville said substantial work was taking place to increase the public perception that Dunfermline is a Safe Small City.

"CCTV in taxis continues to grow and Purple Flag is now covered off in taxi training, this has also lead to the taxi marshals and door stewards investing in body cams which has also helped reduce incidents," she said.

"Winter lights have now been placed at Carnegie Hall, the Abbey and St Johns Vennel, increasing coverage from last year with more planned in 2018/19."

The provision of safe zones over key days such as Boxing Day and Halloween have also been a success while personal safety training, counter-terrorism training, street football for youth and street artwork projects have also taken place.

Committee convener Councillor Helen Law, said the Purple Flag award, which the town first received in 2013, was a measure of how successful efforts had been.

"Dunfermline is one of the few towns to have the Purple Flag and, more importantly, to hold onto it," she said.

“This is a prestigious award for a safe, welcoming and vibrant night-time economy. Dunfermline was the first town in Scotland, alongside Aberdeen, to gain this award.

"It’s important that we continue to make sure that Dunfermline remains a ‘safe town’ and I’m pleased that we’re able to contribute to these projects.”