LOCHGELLY has been shortlisted in the 2016 Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum awards (SURF) for Scotland’s Most Improved Town.

This comes only two years after the town was being nominated for the Carbuncle of the Year.

But such has been the improvements ongoing in the central area of the town, including a new housing development in High Street,

The submission to the SURF awards was made by Fife Council and showcased some of the work carried out in Lochgelly over the last 16 years by Fife Council, The Ore Valley Group, Lochgelly Community Development Forum, other community groups and the wider Community.

The submission demonstrated how collaborative and partnership working over a number of years has helped change the face of Lochgelly by improving the town's assets, creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities and outlined the range of community led projects that have been delivered throughout the town.

The submission also highlighted how more recently the community led Lochgelly Community Action plan 2016-2021 was launched covering four themes: Community Activities and Facilities, Environment and Heritage, Infrastructure and Sustainable Lochgelly.

Councillor Mark Hood, chair of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, has expressed his delight at Lochgelly being shortlisted for this prestigious award commenting: “Lochgelly being shortlisted for Scotland’s Most Improved Town award is fantastic news and is well deserved.

"The Lochgelly community alongside partners such as Fife Council and the Ore Valley Group have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to help Lochgelly continuously improve for the people who live, work and visit Lochgelly.”

Christine McGrath, of the Lochgelly Community Development Forum said that she was 'absolutely delighted that Lochgelly is a finalist for the award' commenting: "The town is getting the recognition it deserves after years of hard work by everyone involved.

"The community commitment in Lochgelly is very strong with two new groups, Growing in Lochgelly, and Lochgelly Heritage Group recently starting from the Lochgelly Community Action Plan process.

"These groups are making a positive difference in the town with Growing in Lochgelly improving the town with colourful planters and the Lochgelly Heritage Group giving a focus to the heritage of Lochgelly with five story boards planned for the Lochgelly Heritage Trail".

Andrew Saunders, CEO of Ore Valley Group said: “The projects showcased in the application although delivered separately, were very much part of a collaborative masterplan first developed in 2001 in a partnership with the local community, Fife Council and Ore Valley Group.

"A significant difference has been made to Lochgelly which has only been possible due to partners’ commitment to the town.”

Judges from across Scotland will visit Lochgelly to see first-hand the work that has been carried out in Lochgelly over a number of years and to learn more from the community about the Lochgelly Community Action Plan.

The winner of Scotland’s Most Improved Town award will be announced in December 2016.