THE road ahead for repairs and maintenance in Dunfermline looks “concerning” according to a new Fife Council report.

The City of Dunfermline Area Committee will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) to approve projects and budgets in the town for the 2021-22 financial year.

The current capital plan indicates that the carriageway and footway capital budget of £7.3m in 2020-21 will reduce to £6.5m in 2021-22 and will further reduce to £6m annually thereafter.

In Dunfermline, councillors are expected to agree on a £226,000 budget for carriageways; set aside £198,000 for footways; and a further £122,000 for road safety and traffic management schemes.

Ken Gourlay, the council’s head of assets, transport & environment, stated: “The level of capital resource allocated for carriageways and footways is concerning for future road condition.

“However, the council regularly reviews the capital plan, and should this lead to additional investment for 2021-22, the allocations to area committees would be increased allowing some schemes from the category 2 list to be promoted.”

Three projects in Dunfermline have been recommended for delivery during 2021-22, falling within category 1.

A total of £142,596 is to be spent resurfacing Appin Crescent, between Holyrood Place and Athol Place, although this work cannot be undertaken while the vaccination centre is at East End Park.

Works on Athol Place will cost another £21,420 and £65,903 will be used to smooth the way on Transy Grove.

Path and lighting works on Transy Grove will take place during school holidays at a cost of around £66,529.

The footpath from the Halbeath rail crossing gates to Long Row on Kingseat Road will cost £54,663, while Menteith Drive in Dunfermline is subject to two schemes.

The paths and lighting fronting even-numbered houses will cost £39,614, while another £36,726 will be allocated to the paths fronting odd-numbered houses.

Five traffic management schemes are expected for approval as part of the £122,000 budget.

A traffic calming scheme for the town centre’s Heritage Quarter is set to cost £25,000; as will pedestrian crossing improvements on Carnegie Drive.

Footway widening on Main Street in Townhill will cost £25,000 and vehicle-activated sign changes on Kingseat Road, near Townhill, has an estimated cost of £15,000. The final project set for the green light is a safe routes to school scheme in the Broomhead/Beveridgewell area worth £25,000.

Mr Gourlay stated: “The operation, management and maintenance of a safe and efficient transportation network has a major impact on the Fife economy and the quality of life of residents.

“Delivering transportation projects at local level underpins the priorities of the Fife Council plan. Roads and transportation has a key supporting role in relation to promoting a sustainable society, improving quality of life in local communities and growing a vibrant economy.

“Roads and transportation services also provides support to activities which are part of reforming Fife’s public services.”