Kirkcaldy businessmen welcome Gallatown improvements

Crossing to a bright future, Chris Holland, Steven MacDonald, Ian Crichton and Aarow Pettigrew

Drivers and pedestrians passing through Kirkcaldy's Gallatown recently may have noticed improvements in the appearance of the area.

Along with new housing at the top of Rosslyn Street, there has been landscaping carried out and the addition of a new pelican crossing and more car parking.

And the work has been welcomed by businesses at the top of the town which say they have started to see improvements in trade and more footfall.

The improvements have been carried out by Fife Council, with the new crossing aimed at improving road safety for pupils going to the new Windmill Campus which will open in time for the new school term in August.

And £200,000 of funding from Sustrans, the group which encourages walking and cycling rather than car journeys, has also led to improvements in walking and cycling connections to the new school.

Chris Holland (61), owner of Caira’s Coffee Shop, told the Press: “The crossing was just switched on two weeks ago and already it is proving a great boost for our customers.

“They have also commented on the additional parking which makes it easier for them to stop closer to our shops and pop in when they want, instead of having to park much further away.”

Stevie MacDonald (55), of SM Electrical Supplies Ltd. added: “We have elderly customers and every time they came to the shop I was having to go out and help them cross the road. Now they can use the new crossing and it’s much easier.”

Ian Crichton (46), of Kirkcaldy Kawasaki, said: “The whole place looks much better now and we are all hoping that it will help boost trade. The crossing is helping to slow traffic down a bit and make the road safer, and we are really pleased with it.”

John Mitchell, Fife Council’s service manager for asset management, said: “We’re pleased to hear such positive feedback from businesses on the completed scheme. We took the opportunity through SUSTRANS funding to improve the walking and cycling connections which will benefit the local community, especially when the new campus opens after the summer holidays.”