Cash injection to support local communities

Communities in the Kirkcaldy Area are set to receive a £50,000 boost thanks to a special grant that allows residents to decide where the money is spent.

Kirkcaldy KANES (Kirkcaldy Area Neighborhood Engagement Scheme) allows local groups from Kirkcaldy, Kinghorn, Burntisland, Auchtertool and Puddledub to put forward their ideas for projects that will improve the local community.

Once all the proposals have been made, an exhibition will be held at Adam Smith College to display each organisation’s plans, and the public will vote on which groups will get a share of the £50,000.

Ken Halley, area locality support team leader, said: “We are delighted with the number, and quality, of the applications received.  The community groups have put a lot of time and effort into developing their projects and I would urge the public to support this event by coming along on the day, finding out about the proposals, and voting for the projects that they feel will improve their communities.”

Kirkcaldy KANES aims to break down barriers between councillors and the community by giving people more of a say on what happens in their neighbourhood. Consequently, voting is made entirely by members of the public – councillors and Council officers take no part in the process.

Councillor Neil Crooks, area chair of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: “This was a very popular event last year with local people deciding which local projects would receive funding support, a case of the public spending their own money.  The Area Committee decided to invest additional funds this year and I’m looking forward to some cracking ideas turning into community projects which will give the area a positive boost as the winter comes to a close.”

In the past, Kirkcaldy KANES has helped finance projects by the Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust, Burntisland Playgroup and the 115th Fife Scout Group.

Go along to Adam Smith College on Saturday, 23 February to view the proposals and vote on your favourite. The event will start at 10.45am and finish at around 2:30pm.

Let us know where you think the money should be spent: vote on our poll or leave a comment below.