Town still high in deprived table
Dysart
A recent study has revealed a number of areas in Kirkcaldy remain in the top 15 per cent deprived areas in Scotland.
But although the evidence shows deep rooted, persistent levels of deprivation in the town, the pattern of deprivation is similar to that of Scotland as a whole.
The figures, released by the Scottish Government as part of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2012 report, show Sinclairtown, Gallatown, Smeaton, Hayfield, Dysart, Templehall, Linktown and Seafield all have high enough levels of multiple deprivation, which takes account of income, education, housing, crime, health and access, to be included in the top 15 per cent..
Dysart is back on the list, which is compiled every three years, for the first time since 2004. Margaret Ednie, secretary of the Dysart Regeneration Forum, said: “The demolition of the blocks of flats at Howard Street meant a lot of families that were living on the breadline were moved elsewhere, so that might have helped to take us off the list in 2004.
“Throughout Kirkcaldy there are a lot of families struggling, and Dysart is much the same. Some families don’t have a single penny.
‘‘I don’t believe we are out of recession yet, and everything just has a knock on effect.
Future plans
Commenting on future plans, she said: “We’d like to try and get more businesses into Dysart to regenerate the area.
‘‘There had been plans for private housing to be built on the ground where the flats stood, which would be great because it would bring families in who could support local shops and schools.
“The Council had plans for a children’s home, and we’re not opposed to children’s homes, but we would have to disagree with it because it wouldn’t bring anything to the area. But hopefully the land can be built on at some point.”
Speaking about the overall figures, Councillor David Ross, depute leader of Fife Council, said the Council will work hard to pull the affected areas in Fife out of the top percentage. He said: “No one likes to have their community labeled as ‘deprived’ but the fact of the matter is there is unacceptable poverty and inequality in Fife and there are communities and individuals that are more disadvantaged than others.
“We will use the information in this report along with the local knowledge we have, to make sure our policies and resources are targeted at where they are needed most.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Sunday 19 May 2013
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Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
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