Dunfermline has had higher staff cuts than the rest of Fife to Parks, Streets and Open Spaces, figures reveal. Up to April 2016, over 35% of staff have been lost in Dunfermline, compared to 18-26% in some of the other areas of Fife. Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dunfermline South James Calder has called for action to resolve this.

Cllr. Calder has stated,

Dunfermline has taken a disproportionate level of staff cuts in our Parks, Streets and Open Spaces Department and local people are noticing this. Whether it is grass getting cut less, weeds growing by the sides of roads or litter needing picked up, it is a common theme. One thing I keep getting asked is why does the other towns in Fife look better?

The honest truth is the staff in Dunfermline are working incredibly hard and they should be commended, but the Council has cut their numbers more than the rest of Fife. With 35% of their numbers cut by April 2016, that is almost double some other parts of Fife.

Fife Council is doing well in making Dunfermline a tourist draw, such as the new museum to compliment our beautiful Abbey and Palace. We should be ensuring our green areas also look beautiful for both local residents and visitors. For these reasons I call on the Council Administration to redress the balance to ensure Dunfermline’s Parks, Streets and Open Spaces team are properly staffed.