Work on a regeneration project in Kirkcaldy High Street starts today amid promises disruption will be kept to a minimum.
Fife Council’s transportation services will improve footpaths and road surfaces and install street furniture and lighting.
Electrical and water supply pillars are being installed for use by street markets, while wireless internet is being introduced for shoppers and residents.
As the work will take around a year, it will be carried out in phases from Kirk Wynd to Whytescauseway with access to traders and properties maintained at all times.
Town centre manager Sunil Varu is urging the public to continue supporting the town centre and its traders throughout the work.
He said, “It is work that needs to be done and I hope we can get through it with a minimum of fuss.
“The contractor is keen that any disruption will be minimised, so all shop doors will be kept open at all times and any work that needs to be done at the threshold of shops will be done when the premises areclosed.”
He added, “They have really thought about the renovation in terms of minimising disruption for example, building materials are not going to be stored in the High Street.”
Contractor Graham Construction Ltd has also confirmed it is completing all preparation off-site to minimise mess and disruption, and no waste will be stockpiled on site.
The works will not affect the Mercat or Postings shopping centres, although there may be minor disruption at the entrances.
A traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works.
However, the number of disabled car parking spaces on the High Street will be reduced while this work is being carried out.
Disabled badge holders are therefore urged to park at Tolbooth Street, a short distance from the High Street, in the event of no disabled spaces being available.
The work comes after a clear-the-air meeting with business owners on June 15 when traders were given the opportunity to have any concerns they had addressed.
Shop owners and residents have also received letters from the council to inform them of the extent of the works and how it will affect them, while regular progress updates will be made available in one of the shop fronts adjacent to the works.
Any inquiries should be directed to the council’s mid-Fife roads depot on 01592 583674.