AN 'AIR of optimism' is surrounding one of Kirkcaldy's most deprived areas as a regeneration project starts to take shape.
A draft of the ambitious Gallatown Neighbourhood Development Plan, which aims to promote regeneration within Gallatown estate, is currently being drawn up, and has been welcomed as a positive step forward.
The plan was kick-started in 2006 after t
he Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation put the area (Gallatown West and Mitchelson/Randolph) in the top 10 per cent of the most deprived communities in Fife, while other indicators have suggested Gallatown West is the most deprived area in the Kingdom.
The aims of the neighbourhood plan are now to help promote physical regeneration, including houses, open space and community engagement, as well as developing employability and skills - aims which local councillor Kay Carrington has said are "bringing an air of optimism to the area".
Alistair Black, Kirkcaldy locality manager, told Kirkcaldy area committee that a number of projects have already started in the area, including improving play equipment at Gallatown park, establishing a hub recycling point at East Cairns Street and plans to demolish 14 bedsits on East March Street.
Kirkcaldy councillor David Ross said: "I think this is very positive. These kind of initiatives are just as important as the emphasis being put on the town centre and the big, more high profile developments in the town."
Mr Black told the committee getting the community involved in the plan was one of the most important aspects of the regeneration.
He said a number of consultations have already taken place with residents, including establishing a working group with the Gallatown East Tenants and Residents Association.
Councillor Laurence Brown said: "This shows we want to go forward. The residents are getting involved and that's what we want. If they are doing it themselves they will look after it, and helping people as much as possible is the way forward."
The next stage for the project is to implement some of the quicker schemes, including landscaping and demolition of the East March Street bedsits, as well as drawing up business cases for the long term, including a community centre and possible GP surgery at Rosslyn Gardens, which is due to be demolished.
