Lochgelly comments on award win

Lochgelly beat off stiff competition from Linwood, Gourock and Auchterarder to secure the title of Scotland’s Most Improved Town 2016.

Accepting the award on behalf of Lochgelly was Hazel Cross, from Fife Council, who has helped facilitate the changes throughout Lochgell; Helen Ross from Lochgelly Community Development Forum; and Brian Schultz from Lochgelly Community Council.

Hazel Cross said: “I am absolutely delighted for Lochgelly to be named Scotland’s Most Improved Town 2016. "Lochgelly has been on a journey of people and place and the collaborative working over a number of years has helped change the face of Lochgelly by improving the towns assets, creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities.”

Cllr. Mark Hood, Chair of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee added: “For Lochgelly to win this prestigious award just proves that the hard work and determination of everyone involved in improving Lochgelly is paying off.”

Brian Schultz from Lochgelly Community Council said he was overwhelmed at Lochgelly securing the award and was absolutely delighted that Lochgelly, and the hard work of all of the organisations and volunteers in Lochgelly, is finally getting the recognition it deserves as Lochgelly is a fantastic town that is always improving.

Helen Ross from Lochgelly Community Development Forum said: “I am absolutely over the moon that Lochgelly has won.

"The community has worked so hard since 2000 to put the heart back into Lochgelly and we are not finished yet. The recently launched Lochgelly Community Action plan 2016-2021 will see more community led work carried out with projects under four themes: Community Activities and Facilities, Environment and Heritage, Infrastructure and Sustainable Lochgelly. Already these groups are making a positive difference in the town with the Heritage Group giving a focus to the heritage of Lochgelly with five story boards planned for the Lochgelly Heritage Trail.”