A KIRKCALDY councillor has warned the Templehall community to be vigilant following the closure of three local pubs.
Cllr Neil Crooks, whose ward takes in the area, said the boarded up premises of The Buccaneer, the Templehall Tavern and the White Heather could lead to increases in crimes such as anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Although the closures have not yet had a negative effect on the neighbourhood, the buildings could present problems if they are left empty in the long-term, prompting cllr Crooks to call for new businesses to consider opening in the area.
He said: "Boarded up buildings do not present a good image of an area whether it is housing or businesses.
''Unless they are maintained in decent order, the whole community can suffer depression every time they walk or drive past."
He added: "There has been a social benefit from the closures as the shopping area in particular has not had the same levels of intimidation caused by groups of people hanging around in the area as they break out of the pubs for a smoke.
''We will have to be vigilant about the state of the buildings. It would be good to see them put to use again.
''We have no restaurants in Kirkcaldy North and I would welcome the creation of a dining out opportunity in the area."
The Buccaneer
Chief Inspector Gary Crawford of Fife Police confirmed the closure of the three pubs had not yet had a detrimental effect on the community, but he confirmed officers would be maintaining a presence in the area to ensure the empty buildings did not attract vandals or other anti-social behaviour.
He said: "Close links are maintained with licensed premises through PubWatch and Best Bar None to ensure high standards of conduct in the town and information sharing.
"There has been a great deal of work done in Templehall with licensees to deter underage drinking and alcohol related crime, and this has been recognised as good practice to roll out throughout the Kirkcaldy area.
Templehall Tavern
"The Scottish Government has also selected Templehall as an 'Equally Well' test site for health inequalities.
''This pilot will look at anti-social behaviour and the effects of alcohol and underage drinking."
