While a newly formed clean-up group was swamped with the task of removing large volumes of takeaway cartons, drinks cans and newspapers from the streets, councillors were able to announce that people were 'generally happy' with how Kirkcaldy looks.

Litter-pickers branded the rubbish - collected after just one weekend - 'unsightly' and said they were desperate to improve town centre cleanliness through regular clean-ups.

A spokesman said: "A large proportion of the waste is litter collected from the surfaces of the High Street, the Esplanade and town centre car parks, dropped by irresponsible members of the public who have not thought to use the numerous bins provided."

The 'Town Centre Working Group' is a Fife Council initiative, formed through a desire to look at 'innovate ways' of improving Kirkcaldy town centre.

It comprises Council staff, police, retail and voluntary groups.

But while members, and supporting Council officers, may be disgusted by the amount of rubbish collected, a study of 1000 people and 300 businesses quizzed about Kirkcaldy - as well as Glenrothes, Dunfermline and St Andrews - showed people were 'generally' positive about the town centre.

Environment chairman Tony Martin said: "However, we are aware that there are areas where work needs to be done to improve people's experience."

The study was conducted last autumn, asking a range of questions, including what participants through of Kirkcaldy's shops, leisure facilities and overall appearance.

It is understood to be the most 'detailed study' ever on the perceptions of town centres across Fife.

In Kirkcaldy, people were positive about services and facilities in the centre, particularly its appearance, cafés, restaurants and banking facilities.

But businesses were less positive about appearance, yet on balance regarded services as good.

Mr Martin stressed work was already underway to improve the look of Kirkcaldy town centre with a masterplan is being developed by the Council.

He said: "An extension of the Mercat Shopping Centre is under consideration and discussions are also taking place about the relocation of the swimming pool and the possible development of a cinema."

Other efforts to improve Kirkcaldy's appearance were highlighted as hanging baskets on Links Street, painted flower tubs on the west end of the High Street and floral displays at the War Memorial Gardens, on the approach to the town centre.

Residents were called on this week to take a role in improving Kirkcaldy by keeping the town clean, particularly by putting cigarette butts and chewing gum in public bins.

Area chairman Alice Soper said: "I very much welcome the co-operation between different Council services, businesses, groups and individuals to resolve this unnecessary problem.

"Everyone else must also play their part and help keep our town clean. It's not hard - use the bins provided or take your rubbish away and dispose of it at home."