Community centres, libraries and public halls in Kirkcaldy are at risk of closure or being put up for sale as part of a money-saving exercise by Fife Council.
Councillor Neil Crooks has said that there is “certainty” that the number of buildings owned by the local authority in the town will reduce in size as the costs of publicly-owned facilities are scrutinised.
The futures of four council offices, five libraries, 18 community halls and 22 schools are to be assessed, with those deemed economically inviable set to be sold off or closed.
Kirkcaldy will be the first community in Fife to be subject to such intense scrutiny of its public assets, as Fife Council continues its efforts to make millions of pounds of cuts to its annual budget.
Despite major investment in a new leisure centre and local schools in recent years, Mr Crooks has warned that the books need to be balanced.
The chairman of the Kirkcaldy area committee said: “Some of our community buildings have benefited from significant investment in recent years. That’s included a new leisure centre, an upgrade to the Kirkcaldy Galleries and a new primary school in Burntisland.
“Work is also under way on a new care village at Ostlers Way and construction work is under way for the new Viewforth High School and community hub in Gallatown.
“We need to look at our full portfolio of buildings in the area and identify an approach where we can try to meet some of the financial challenges we face.
“The critical element is that where buildings are currently in use we need to work with local groups on alternative locations for that activity if disposal is the option taken.”
Councillors will discuss the project at a meeting this morning, although a draft plan prepared for members suggests that further sharing of council resources is an approach that would be welcomed by many.
The report, compiled by council asset strategist Janice Spence, appears to favour two options; one proposing high level investment in new community facilities, or moderate investment to support prioritised projects.
Should the latter of these options be adopted, however, the closure of numerous local facilities could begin, with Sinclairtown Library, Dysart Community Hall, Dunnikier OAP Centre and the Pathheads Halls among those buildings likely to be sold or moved into alternative ownership.
Although such a situation would alarm community leaders in Kirkcaldy, Mr Crooks says that many old buildings are proving too costly to maintain.
“We have too many buildings with a backlog of maintenance needs which is unsustainable with the current budget pressures,” he added.
“We will welcome options like community ownership and social enterprises where appropriate, but there is certainty that council-owned buildings will reduce in number through this exercise.
“Providing more activity in fewer buildings will have the same financial effect, hopefully with as little negative impact as possible.”