New ‘open for business’ campaign as Thornton faces five-month road closure

The key route through Thornton will be shut to allow Network Rail to carry out major work to the rail line as part of its £300million electrification project.

The closure proved hugely controversial and sparked a massive backlash in the town, with around 150 people packing a drop-in meeting and forcing a major re-think.

Network Rail’s original 14-month long road closure was torn up, and a shorter timescale introduced with better use of single lane access around the key works.

But serious concerns were expressed by businesses operating in the town over the lost of football, particularly in the run up to Christmas, prompting a pledge of support from Fife Council.

Its new "Open for Business" campaign aims to raise awareness that local shops, cafés, services and other businesses remain open and accessible despite the ongoing railway bridge works affecting travel route. The local authority is working with them and the community to highlight the range of goods and services available in Thornton - and to remind customers that simple alternative routes continue to provide access to the area.

The campaign will also showcase local businesses, encourage residents to shop locally and help sustain the village economy during the period of disruption.

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: "Thornton has a strong and resilient business community, and it's important that everyone knows these businesses remain very much open and ready to welcome customers.

"We recognise that the bridge works have created challenges, but Thornton remains accessible and there are many excellent local businesses that continue to provide valuable services to the community.

"By choosing to shop local, people can make a real difference in supporting jobs, protecting businesses and helping the village continue to thrive."

The rail bridge has to come down and then rebuilt up to 30cm higher to accommodate the work electrifying the line.

Following a single lane closure in recent months, the road over the bridge is now shut until March 2027 when one lane will re-open until the project ends next July.

Pamela Stevenson, service manager, economic development, added: "The purpose of this campaign is simple.

“We want to make sure as many people as possible know that Thornton's businesses are open and keen to see customers through their doors.

"There is a fantastic range of independent businesses operating in the village and we want to encourage both existing and new customers to continue supporting them throughout the bridge works.

"Every visit, purchase and recommendation helps local businesses remain strong during this period."

Over the coming weeks and months, the campaign will encourage residents and visitors to continue spending locally and supporting Thornton's economy.

In addition, Fife Council is also urging local traders to take up the offer of targeted financial support through the Business Resilience Support Scheme approved by councillors earlier this year.

That scheme has been developed in recognition of the exceptional and sustained impact the works are expected to have on local businesses, particularly those reliant on passing trade and customer access.

Details of how businesses can access the scheme have been shared directly with those affected.

Businesses interested in finding out more about the ‘Open for Business’ campaign, and the Business Resilience Support Scheme, should contact Fife Council's economic development team via [email protected].