'Action plan' for town

The Citizen, 12 March 2004

St Andrews is set to benefit from a forthcoming 'action plan.'

The St Andrews World Class Project has been formed - comprising a partnership of 12 representatives of the private and public sector in the community - to look at skills and labour development, the town's physical infrastructure and communicating progress, particularly to the local populace.

It's part of a far-reaching 'vision' unveiled by Fife Council this week to revitalise the Kingdom's three main centres, as part of the implementation of their economic strategy.

Community Planning members are developing action plans to regenerate Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and St Andrews which, they say, will make the 'Home of Golf' ''a world-class destination for leisure, culture and history.''

However, they also point out that the pressure for growth has to be balanced against the need to maintain the ''individual atmosphere of the ancient, historic university town.''

A council spokesperson told the Citizen: ''The plans will aim to build on the unique strengths and selling points of each centre in a way which is complementary to the other towns and communities across Fife.

''Goals set will be realistic and involve a wide range of partners and communities.

''The vision is also part of the council's Asset Management Plan which looks at making the most of the council's £658million property portfolio - including those in town centres.''

The strategies have been approved by the council's Policy and Resources Committee whose Chair, Councillor Anne McGovern, said: "These three town centres are the jewels in the crown of the Kingdom.''