Positive news for Leven Town Centre after challenging period

Efforts are being made on several fronts to ensure a brighter future for Leven Town Centre after an extremely challenging period.

Two large fires in the High Street in November have had a lasting impact, with the first leading to the demolition of the former Poundstretcher building and the need for safety measures to be put in place around the site.

Roadworks on and around the Bawbee Bridge have also caused traffic delays since last July, as a range of utility companies carried out diversion works ahead of the A955 Leven Rail Bridge’s planned replacement.

However, progress is being made on a number of issues and the outlook is far more positive heading into the coming weeks and months.

• Fife Council has reaffirmed its commitment to seeking the re-alignment of the hoardings at the Poundstretcher site as soon as possible, with officers in frequent dialogue with building owners, insurers, and demolition contractors.
• The demolition contractor is due to be back on site this week to remove remaining debris, and Fife Council is pushing for a vital structural assessment on the remaining sections of wall - the results of which may enable the hoardings to be at least pushed back to the original building line - to be carried out expeditiously.
• Plans are already in place to landscape that ‘gap site’ for community use when the safety measures are removed, while councillors will be asked to approve a £315,000 funding package in the next couple of weeks for High Street improvements.
• There’s also respite on the horizon in relation to roadworks after Network Rail confirmed that a temporary bridge over the River Leven will come into use in early May, meaning demolition and replacement work on the A955 Leven Rail Bridge can then be stepped up.
• Work due to take place on the Iron Brig, which would have necessitated the closure of Sawmill Road/Elm Park from its junction with Methilhaven Road to its junction with Leven Vale from April 3, will not take place until the temporary road is in place to minimise disruption.

Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, said: “We’ve all faced an unprecedented set of circumstances over this past year and once again I’d like to thank people for their patience and forbearance throughout.

“The power of the council only extends so far, but rest assured we’re all working hard with a range of individuals, organisations and third parties to get routes open and people moving more freely in the town centre.

“Everyone is looking forward to the rail link coming in and benefits that will bring, but while that work continues our focus just now is getting Leven back to normal.

“It’s important that when we do open up again fully people can see a difference.”

Fife Council’s economic development team is continuing to engage with local businesses and offer support, and leaflets highlighting the support available have been distributed throughout the area.

Businesses in need of help are being urged to contact the team via fifemeansbusiness@fife.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, a special event is also being planned this summer to showcase all the town centre has to offer and encourage visitors in. More details about that will be available over the next couple of months.

The demolition site is currently being managed by the owners and their contractor, but Fife Council is continuing to work with all parties to make sure that all the requirements of the Dangerous Building Notice are fulfilled and that all public safety issues are resolved.

The £315,000 is capital investment from the Scottish Government-funded Place Based Investment Programme. This will be one of several projects to be considered at Cabinet Committee on April 6, including a Fife-wide Town Centre Building Improvement grant which Leven town centre businesses will be eligible for.

The temporary bridge over the River Leven, which will have an 18-tonne weight limit similar to the existing Bawbee Bridge, will be able to take two-way traffic with no need for traffic lights.

Pictured are councillors and officers at the site earlier this week amid discussions about how to progress various matters.