DUNFERMLINE’s fireworks display and Christmas lights switch-on will not go ahead this year after Dunfermline Delivers were unsuccessful in their renewal ballot.

Dunfermline Delivers have announced with the “deepest sadness” that they have been unsuccessful in their bid to be renewed as the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town.

The “shock” result means key events in the Dunfermline calendar will now be scrapped.

Fife Council have confirmed that Outwith Festival will still take place in September, but all events afterwards, such as the annual fireworks display and Christmas lights switch-on, will not.

Lloyd Pitcairn, chair of Dunfermline Delivers: “We would like to say a big thank you to all the businesses that voted, and we take huge comfort from the fact that it was a resounding yes in terms of numbers - businesses voted in favour by two thirds, a much bigger majority in favour than the last time.

"Unfortunately, the vote in terms of rateable value means that we can no longer continue our work in Dunfermline town centre.”

Ballot papers were issued to all BID businesses and levy payers inviting them to vote in the renewal ballot for six weeks until voting closed yesterday (Thursday).

There were 99 votes in favour of the BID proposal to renew for a further five-year term and 51 votes against.

However, there was a majority ‘No’ vote by £4,159,250 terms of rateable value compared with £3,632,725 ‘Yes’ vote.

Although there was a large majority of Yes votes in terms of numbers, the rateable value marginal result means that Dunfermline Delivers will no longer carry out their work in the town.

Lisa Edwards, BID manager, said: “We have worked very hard for Dunfermline town centre over the last few years and it has paid dividends. Compared to comparable towns Dunfermline has been bucking the trend.

“The Outwith Festival will continue for this year. However, after September we will not be able to continue with our programme of events and activities.

"BID in Bloom, Purple Flag and events such as Outwith, Fireworks, Christmas Light Switch-On and Food and Craft Weekends will all stop.”

Councillor Helen Law, convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: “This result has come as a shock and I’m really disappointed to be honest.

“We’re currently looking at what the options are, but rest assured we’ll do all we can to make sure that we build on the excellent work that’s been done so that Dunfermline town centre continues to grow.”

There are four tests that need to be met for the ballot to be successful.

The first is a minimum turnout in respect of eligible voters and a minimum turnout in respect of aggregate rateable value. Thereafter, it is down to a majority in favour of the proposal and a majority of rateable value also in favour.