Glenrothes area projects to benefit from Community Recovery Fund

Elected members at Glenrothes Area Committee have agreed a further £137, 936 from the Community Recovery Fund for various projects in and around Glenrothes.

Four local projects will benefit from the money which was created to finance projects which link to the Local Community Plan and Plan for Fife priorities, and are available over a two year period.

The local projects which have been approved are:

• 252 Memorial Hall -  £11,500 to replace toilets and for other upgrades
• Star Village Hall -  £13,748 to improve access
• Police Scotland - £49,609 to enable another year, for a dedicated and fully funded police officer, to tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour and violence at hot spot areas throughout the town centre.
• The Polar Academy -  £63,079 to allow 30 young people from Glenrothes HS to take part in the Polar Academy project

Glenrothes Area Committee Convenor, Cllr Craig Walker said: " These projects will help us to respond to the cost-of- living crisis and post-Covid recovery for individuals, families, and communities across the Glenrothes Area. The learning we gain from these projects will be used to influence and direct future services across the area.

"For example, the update we were given on the first year of the dedicated Police post meant councillors were happy to agree to fund this vital resource for another year. This pilot was match funded by Police Scotland. The results are already impressive with a 74% drop in calls reporting anti-social behaviour, theft, violence and verbal abuse in and around the town centre and bus station.  It's clear that the enhanced presence of a dedicated officer in the area has had a very positive impact.

Inspector Murray Gibson said: “We are acutely aware of the disruptive effect that anti-social behaviour has on any community. Local officers work closely with partners, including Fife Council, to address these issues and find meaningful solutions to direct people away from harmful behaviours.

“This funding allows us to tackle the issue, engage with people in Glenrothes town centre and provide reassurance to the community.

"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.”