Greater priority should be given to the heritage of Cupar as discussions continue around plans for a revamp of traffic management in the town centre, it has been claimed.
Opposition is growing to plans by Fife Council to move Cupar’s Mercat Cross from an island in the centre of the Crossgate to a wide pavement close by.
The council wants to relocate the historic structure to outside Pagan’s property office to make it easier for articulated lorries and buses to manoeuvre at the junction with the Bonnygate.
The move of the cross is one of the extensive planned improvements in the town to reduce congestion and cut air pollution a scheme scheduled to get under way in the summer.
Fife Council transportation official Mark Dewar told members of Cupar Community Council, however, that if the cross were to remain in its present location, it could mean that the goal of having free-flowing traffic could not be achieved.
Community council secretary Douglas Provan said it appeared in the plans that the Mercat Cross had just been “bunged to the side”, with little thought given to its location.
“I do not think the heritage of Cupar has been taken into consideration,” said Mr Provan.
His views were shared by Cupar Heritage chairman Guthrie Hutton, who spoke of the historical importance of the cross.
He said the cross had been situated at different places throughout its existence and it was shame it couldn’t be put back in its original location, nearer the Burgh Chambers.
“The heritage aspect should be given a very high priority,” said Mr Hutton.
Cupar Heritage secretary Ian Copland pointed out that the cross was a listed structure and he hoped Historic Scotland would be “closely involved” with any proposals.
Mr Dewar said he had asked consultants to remodel their proposals. He expected their report next week.
Mr Dewar is to hold meetings with the various interested parties, such as businesses, community council, Cupar Heritage and councillors, prior to the planning application being determined.