PLANS which would have seen a range of improvements taking place in Kincardine have been shelved due to funding issues.

The Imagine Kincardine project had aimed to help regenerate the area and had looked at ideas such as improving active travel links and enhancing pedestrian spaces in the village.

However a joint statement from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Fife Council and Sustrans confirmed that the brakes have been placed on the scheme.

It said: "We are all deeply disappointed that we are unable to progress with the Imagine Kincardine project.

“Unfortunately, owing to the significant increases in the costs of raw materials as well as the continuing pressures on national public spending, it is not viable for any of the current organisations involved to take this project forward.

“We are immensely grateful to the community of Kincardine for their unwavering support in developing the project to this stage. Thanks to your contributions, we now have a completed proposal in place which will hopefully help inform active and sustainable travel ambitions for Kincardine in the future.

“All partners involved in the project are ready to share the completed proposal with any organisation which may wish to take on the delivery of this worthwhile project going forward.”

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville described the announcement as "disappointing".

She added: "I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, who I know invested a lot of time and resources into this project. I'm sure this will not have been an easy decision.

"While the project's cancellation is undoubtedly a blow, it should not deter us from continuing to pursue opportunities for future growth and development.

"I stand ready to work with other key stakeholders to try and explore innovative solutions and initiatives that can benefit local communities, both in Kincardine and across West Fife."

Local Councillor Graeme Downie added: "This will be a real blow to the people in Kincardine, particularly the CRT team who have worked with the community and local people on these plans that would have delivered real improvements.

"I will be speaking with colleagues and stakeholders to discuss how we can work together to improve Kincardine in the future."