Council urged to make changes to keep St Andrews safe

However, the experience has changed. Queues stretch out from shops, people search for toilets to use, and everyone is doing their best not to get too close to each other.

While businesses in the town are making changes, with many signing up to the trailblazing StaySafe charter – a campaign which aims to make visitors and residents feel safe – there is a feeling that Fife Council has not done enough.

That is the opinion of Tourism St Andrews chairwoman, Debbie MacCallum, who has called on the local authority to make improvements now.

“St Andrews is really busy,” she said. “The problem is that the town doesn’t have any social distancing guidelines. I hope something will be done. I fear it will be too little too late.

“Surely, for Fife Council, St Andrews is the golden goose. I’d be making sure that it’s fit for purpose for people coming back.”

Ms MacCallum has called on Fife Council to make changes, including opening public toilets or installing temporary portable toilets, putting social distancing markers on the streets to help queues keep safe, and urging people to wear masks around the town.

“We need the economy to open in a safe and secure way,” she added. “The council needs to do its bit, but we’ve seen nothing yet.”

Fife Council service manager Sandra Montador-Stewart responded: “Now that many of Fife’s town centre businesses have reopened, we are working to support all town centres across Fife, including St Andrews, as much as possible.

“As lockdown restrictions ease, we’re urging local people who can, to support local businesses, and follow guidance on hygiene and physical distancing to stay safe.

“There may be increased queuing in some areas, both inside and outside shops, so we’re asking people to please be patient, follow guidance and move away from busy areas.

“To help manage the increasing numbers of people in our town centres we will be introducing signage to emphasise the physical distancing message on our footpaths and precincts. We’ll work with businesses and other agencies to monitor the situation as shoppers return to each town centre and make changes where necessary.”