Improvements to Kirkcaldy sea wall must make the area safer and more attractive to visitors, says a leading community figure.
Mary Hall, chairwoman of the Kirkcaldy Civic Society, hopes a public consultation ahead of a £9 million renovation of the wall will provide the town with a focal point that can be used throughout the year.
Fife Council launched an online consultation this month and will host a public meeting in November to determine what the people of Kirkcaldy wish to see from the new sea wall, covering such areas as viewing platforms and access to the beach.
However, coming almost a year after the tragic death of three-year-old Eryk Cieraszewski, who was swept out to sea by a wave that swept over the current sea wall, Mrs Hall insists safety must be a top priority as part of the renovation.
She said: ”Safety is especially important and protection for people has got to improve.
”At high tide the water comes over the top of the sea wall and some people like to walk along the promenade when the sea is rough.
”Putting the large stones against the wall may help.
”We also want to look at the viewing platforms and see exactly what view they are going to have.”
The new wall is expected to be half a metre higher than the current barrier and large boulders will be placed before the wall to disperse energy generated by incoming waves.
Work is scheduled to start next summer and be completed by autumn 2014.
”The Esplanade is very important to Kirkcaldy,” added Mrs Hall.
”It is the main thoroughfare through the town but at the moment there is nothing to commend it.
”You’ve reached the end of it before you know you’ve been in Kirkcaldy.”
The public consultation is taking place on Fife Council’s website as well as at a public meeting, scheduled to take place at the Adam Smith Theatre on November 21.
A planning application for the proposals is expected to be submitted for approval early next year.