WEST FIFERS will have their say as community events are held to discuss plans for Longannet.

The Press told you last week that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo are set to make big announcements in the coming weeks which could speed up the development of their train plant at the former power station site.

Two consultations are now due to take place at Kincardine Community Centre later this month, on March 25, and again on April 29.

Scottish Enterprise – working with Talgo on the project – submitted a proposal of application notice to Fife Council last week for planning permission to develop the site.

Talgo announced in November that Longannet was their preferred site for building their high-speed trains as part of £40 million investment plans.

A total of 1,000 direct jobs will be created, as well as 6,000 in the local area.

Jon Veitch, Talgo's UK director, told the Press that positive announcements are expected to be made in the coming weeks as they look to win bids across Europe.

With their two train plants in Spain currently at capacity, he said they "may need to accelerate things at Longannet," if an order is secured.

He said: "We're at the stage where we're now actively engaging with the local community and its people to progress our plans and to take things forward.

"Now is the time that we're active and listening to people.

"We want to know how they can support us.

“This is a long-term commitment to the area, the community and the country. This isn’t being built just for one contract. This is for generations.

"We want to hear from school children, employers, colleges – which we're already doing – to see how they will be able to drive the technology forward which will contribute to our success and the country's success.

"There are people who haven't even yet materialised or been conceived that will be part of the next generation who will help drive it forward!"