THERE will be free parking on Sundays in Dunfermline from November 22 until February 14 next year.

And although there'll be no official switch-on ceremony or parade, the Christmas lights will be on in the town centre by the start of the £19,500 transport scheme to bring some extra cheer.

The Press has long campaigned for free Sunday parking in Dunfermline to help encourage shoppers and visitors, something that's even more important given the devastating impact the pandemic is having on businesses.

Councillor Helen Law, convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: "We did it last year when we spent £18,000 with the shuttle bus into town before Christmas and free Sunday parking in the months after.

"We had considered a whole range of options for this year, bringing back the bus from Leys Park Road and a little train to take people round the town centre, but, in the circumstances, it seemed mad to even plan for that as the restrictions change all the time.

"It was best to do something clear and consistent and, due to the virus, the only thing we could really do was free Sunday parking for that period.

"Hopefully, hospitality business will be open and it'll really help that industry, as well as the town centre as a whole.

"We're keen to do as much as we can for the people that live and work here as it's desperate out there just now, the numbers are going up and we're in tier three."

She continued: "I would like to extend the free Sunday parking further, maybe to Mother's Day or even the end of the financial year, but we have to be careful with our budgets.

"We received £18,000 again this year from a central pot and the area committee put in £1,500. If we want to extend free parking, the committee will have to pay for it.

"In January, we'll review the budget and if there's any spare capacity that's what we'll look to do.

"We do have other pressures too but the budget is being spent differently this year.

"Events like the gala and the Outwith Festival aren't happening so money that would have gone there is helping to fund the business manager post we advertised recently, to help local businesses."

Cllr Law said the Christmas lights in Dunfermline will also be on by November 22.

She explained: "We can't have a switching-on ceremony or a parade but, by hell or high water, we were going to have those lights up.

"We've also enhanced the winter lights too, repaired and replaced where necessary, and particularly improved the lights on the walkway to the Carnegie statue.

"We're trying to make the town as attractive as possible, even if it's just for people going for a walk with their children, we're keen that everyone gets their lights up early to cheer the place and everyone else up too.

"Hopefully, they'll be a light in the darkness."

Shirley Melville, the council's team manager for Dunfermline, explained: “Supporting our local businesses is more important than ever this year so it's great that we are able to offer free Sunday parking again.

"We hope local people will take advantage of this and shop locally – and safely – this Christmas."

Dunfermline councillor James Calder said: "This has been a torrid year for local businesses, but removing Sunday parking in Dunfermline will be a welcome boost for many.

“For over a year now I have been fighting to end Sunday parking charges and I am pleased with this progress.

“The dates set mean that it will hopefully drive more customers into our shops over the Christmas period as well as encouraging people to go to restaurants on Valentine's Day too.

“Fife Council should go further though and remove these charges entirely. This would protect local businesses and local jobs and I will continue to fight to end these controversial charges.”