Fifers are being urged to have their say on a new plan outlining a vision for the future of the region for the next decade.
For the first time ever in Fife, the council and its partners have signed up to the creation of a single ‘Plan for Fife’ which will shape public services in the kingdom over the next 10 years.
Consultation on the new document will run until the end of October, with the final plan expected to be agreed by councillors in December.
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Fife Council’s community and housing services convener, explainedthe new Plan for Fife aims to make the region a place where all residents live good lives, make informed choices and have a sense of control to reach their full potential.
She said in the first instance, the plan aims to make Fife a place where people are proud to be.
“Just now there are big differences between many communities in Fife. Our aim in this new plan is to improve places across Fife and work to reduce inequalities within and between communities,” she said.
“It’s a big challenge but we believe we can make a difference.”
A range of approaches have been used in to involve communities in making decisions about their local areas.
Local design charrettes in the likes of Lochgelly have given people an opportunity to plan improvements in the community and the public services they receive.
Mrs Hamilton continued: “Thriving places should be places where people can live long, happy and fulfilling lives – places people want to visit and invest in.
“They should have a good range of local services that meet the needs of residents and visitors, high quality open spaces and good affordable housing. People should also be safe in their communities and have the opportunity to live healthy and active lives.
“We have to be ambitious if we are to achieve that vision for every Fifer and we believe this plan gives us the basis for that focus and determination.”
Seven local community plans and health and social care plans are already in place to take forward improvement work and these will continue to be refreshed and updated.
A number of neighbourhood plans are also being developed for those areas of Fife facing the biggest challenges.
Work is already underway in the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy and resources will be targeted at communities in greatest need and where there is the greatest inequality in levels of fitness, health and wellbeing.
Mrs Hamilton said: “We have some beautiful green spaces and a natural environment that draws visitors from all over the world.
“We need to continue to shout about what makes Fife great. For example there’s now a new way to help people discover enjoy and support Fife’s wonderful parks and greenspaces as they are listed online at myparkscotland.
“By investing in our assets and using our resources wisely we can make more Fifers proud of their place over the next 10 years.”
For more information, visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/letstalk
