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The Courier
6 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Lessons will be learned from Dunfermline roadworks chaos ahead of next major project
Fife Council has pledged to learn lessons from last year's Dunfermline roadworks chaos before the next phase begins. Work to install traffic lights at Bothwell Roundabout provoked anger when it started a day earlier than planned last summer. Frustrated drivers then reported half-hour queues and businesses complained of thousands of pounds in lost takings as people avoided the area. The lights, along with a second set at the city's Pitreavie Roundabout, were just the first phase of a major transport plan for Dunfermline. More than 8,000 new houses, including 2,000 affordable homes, are planned over the next 20 or 30 years. And new roads, infrastructure and active travel routes will all need to be in place. New primary and secondary schools are also planned. The Edinburgh City Deal awarded the council more than £16 million to help pay for the work. And officers are now preparing to apply for the second round of funding. This will allow for the upgrade of the King's Road/Admiralty Road roundabout. It will also pay for a new bridge at Halbeath, the first significant portion of a northern link road. Dunfermline area convener Derek Glen said the funding would be very welcome. However, he asked: 'What lessons can be learned and put into practice for the successful delivery of phase two?' The SNP councillor cited ongoing public concern about Bothwell Roundabout, including over safety. He also raised the timing and duration of the works and the impact on businesses. 'Are we able to articulate any benefits to residents?' he asked. Development manager Kevin Treadwell said a 'lessons learned exercise' will be carried out. Key hotspots will be identified and addressed in the next phase of roadworks. 'The first one that went in was the Pitreavie Roundabout signalisation,' he said. 'That was specifically to address traffic queuing onto the motorway.' Mr Treadwell said it is too early to say if the works at Pitreavie and Bothwell have been effective but they will be monitored. Meanwhile, Labour councillor Altany Craik added: 'We need to be much better at communicating with people and telling them what's coming. 'We need to explain the benefits and explain what's going to happen and what it's going to feel like. 'The northern link road is a key element in the development of Dunfermline.'
The National
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Concern over 'hidden right-wing agenda' of 'Great British National Strike' Scottish meeting
The Great British National Strike, which has gained a substantial social media following in recent months, lists illegal immigration among its primary concerns and it opposes supporting Ukraine. An SNP councillor has raised the issue after the group planned to host an event in his city of Dunfermline. Cllr Derek Glen said: 'It's interesting to see that at face value this is being pitched as a one-man campaign by an ex-soldier to complain about some of the shortcomings of the UK Government. 'However, delving a little deeper into it exposes that it seems to be a front for a lot of right-wing policies and claims eg mentioning immigration and even specific nationalities, anti-net zero, anti-support for Ukraine, and claims that free speech is somehow being curtailed (as per its 'GoFundMe' page).' READ MORE: Stephen Flynn calls out BBC Scotland host for 'distasteful' question The GoFundMe page states: 'This will show Labour that we have the power, we have the strength and we have the ability to control what happens in our country. 'We oppose illegal immigration, net zero, the attack on our farmers, Pakistani rape gangs not being properly held to account, the attack on our free speech, two-tier justice and our involvement in the Ukraine war. 'Our tax money is not being spent where we would like. This needs to stop. They need to listen.' Cllr Derek Glen continued: 'Whereas there is no mention of the cost-of-living crisis; spiralling energy prices; the winter fuel allowance; the WASPI women U-turn; the cuts to disability care benefits. "These are things that voters here have legitimately been appalled by from the UK Labour government – but are not part of the agenda for this 'event'. 'I have two primary concerns about this – firstly that while people will rightly be angry about some of policy failings of the dismal performance of Labour since they took power at Westminster, and have every right to protest; this event appears to be designed to co-opt people in support of a somewhat hidden, very right-wing agenda. 'Secondly, as it has all been arranged – apparently by one person – online; and the 'meet-up notices' are just graphics naming spots in the centre of every city across the UK, I would have serious questions to ask about the organisation and infrastructure for these events: has permission been sought from local authorities? 'Are the police and other services in each locality aware? Has any thought or care been given to any other events that may be arranged for these locations at the same time? Or just for the safety of members of the public? And will there be any organisers on the ground in each location, or speakers, or first aiders? READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: SNP must beware of Reform trying to woo Scots voters 'The crowdfunder says that as well as advertising, they are raising money for 'the inevitable legal fees that are bound to arise' – that seems of concern in itself.' Fife Council have confirmed that it has not been made aware of this event. Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
