As reported in the Citizen earlier this month, the local community council expressed concern over transport provision at the Largo Road building, due to open next summer.

This week a council official confirmed that "late in the day," after protests from bus companies Stagecoach and Moffat and Williamson over safety, the parking layout went back to the drawing board for "minor changes" which will have a dramatic effect.

The transport companies warned the plans, as they were, could result in car drivers and passengers walking in front of buses which were entering the turning area.

Raymond Taylor, service manager for Moffat and Williamson told the Citizen: "I understand both our company and Stagecoach felt the turning point wasn't safe because of the way cars would be parked. People coming out of them would be walking over at a 45 degree angle and there was no pedestrian crossing in the plans.

"From what I have seen, the latest layout looks a lot better. Pending our discussions at the travel plan group on August 7, we will be extending our service to the hospital, dropping people off in the bus lay-by beside the doors. We were really concerned, but the new plans look healthier."

Doug Fleming, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland confirmed some services would be diverted to serve the new hospital, although he said he was not in a position to disclose exact details as discussions between the relevant parties were still going on.

Gary Moyes, Fife Council's lead officer for network planning and information, confirmed the parking plans had been adjusted following the bus companies' reaction to the originals. "Rather late in the day, the bus companies started saying they didn't like it and were worried about how they could service the site. We met with them on July 1 this year, when it was decided to change the layout. They were relatively minor adjustments to improve traffic circulation and bus access at the site."

Mr Moyes said the changes made included moving the bus bay and swapping around spaces for disabled vehicles and taxis and including a zebra crossing. "As far as everyone is concerned, the plans should now work and buses should be able to get through the site a lot more easily now." he said.

"The ideal situation is that we get all commercial services going into the hospital, as well as the subsidised services. Express buses will stop at a bus bay on Largo Road, between the hospital and Morrison's supermarket."