BURNTISLAND COMMUNITY FUTURES
COMMUNITY VIEWS
SURVEY REPORT
August 2015
Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
CONTENTS
Page.
1. INTRODUCTION. 3
2. WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT BURNTISLAND 4
3. WHAT WE DON’T LIKE ABOUT BURNTISLAND 8
4. WHAT WOULD MAKE IT BETTER TO LIVE IN, WORK IN OR VISIT? 13
5. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES? 17
6. OUR VISION FOR BURNTISLAND 19
7. COMMON GOOD FUND ASSETS 21
Acknowledgements
The Profile was produced using guidelines and templates provided by STAR Development Group through their Community Futures Programme.
Funding for this work has been provided by Fife Council.
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
1. INTRODUCTION
Background
This report summarises the findings of the Community Survey conducted as part of the community engagement and stakeholder consultation undertaken between June and August 2015. Other elements of the Community Futures process included: Stakeholder meetings and interviews A Visitor Survey Preparation of a community profile A Community Futures event (held on 26th September 2015)
Burntisland Community Futures is being led by a Steering Group which brings together representatives of Burntisland Community Council, Floral Action Burntisland, Burntisland Heritage Trust and other local groups and residents.
Survey Organisation
The Survey Form was designed by STAR Development Group and tailored with the Steering Group, particularly to include questions relating to the future of the Common Good Assets of Burntisland.
The Survey was carried out as a Household Survey with approximately 900 households across the community (around 1/3 of the resident households in Burntisland). A team of survey volunteers visited these households distributing and collecting survey forms. The survey volunteers were co-ordinated by the Secretary of Burntisland Community Council.
The Survey was also available at the Library and on-line. The Survey Monkey link was promoted on the Survey Form and also through Facebook and other social media.
Survey Response
A total of 494 completed Community Views Surveys were received, including 206 on Survey Monkey. Of those who responded:
9 were aged 5 -15 years 40 were aged 16 -29 years 260 were female 102 were aged 30 -44 years 183 were male 123 were aged 45 -59 years 36 didn’t say 139 were aged 60 -74 years 6 were mixed responses 38 were aged 70+ years 43 didn’t say their age
Primary School Survey Burntisland Primary School carried out the survey with P6 & 7 pupils. 51 Survey Forms were completed. A separate Primary School Survey Report is available.
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BURNTISLAND?
Like % of Responses Scenery and access to coast and countryside 60.76% Community spirit 52.78% Location and accessibility 28.82% High street and amenities 24.31% Sport and leisure facilities 22.92% Character of town 21.53% Public services and facilities 15.97% Environment 7.99%
2.1 Scenery and access to coast and countryside
Over 60% of respondents said that they liked Burntisland beach and coastal views as well as having the Binn Hill, the Links, countryside and coastal paths for walking and recreation.
Breakdown of comments Beach/Coast 45.69% Links 17.24% Coastal Path 14.94% Binn Hill 12.36% Countryside 9.77%
Quotes
“Best of both worlds – sea and countryside with beautiful views across the Forth” “Walking up the Binn Hill is one of our favourite things to do as a family” “The Links is attractive in the winter, spring and autumn” “Wide open space of countryside and a well maintained coastal path to Aberdour, beach and links” “Picturesque little town with a nice beach and great views looking northwards towards the Binn Hill”
2.2 Community Spirit
Over half of respondents liked that Burntisland is friendly and welcoming and that there are plenty of community events and groups to generate community spirit.
Breakdown of comments Friendly and welcoming 63% Events and activities 21% Community Groups 8% Family feeling 8%
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Quotes “Burntisland is a great community with lots of groups, committees and classes for a wide variety of people” “The commitment of people who give up their free time to help the community” “The fact that, because of the size town, most people know you and even if they don’t, you always see a friendly face” “Feel part of ‘a community’ and opportunities to meet people through social, community activities” “There is a community spirit in the town and one can always rely on acknowledgement from well kent faces” “Has a friendly community, events during the summer and an excellent fireworks display on bonfire night”
2.3 Location and accessibility
Burntisland’s convenient location for major towns and cities, as well as having a good bus and rail service is widely appreciated
Breakdown of comments
Convenient for cities and towns 47.06% Rail services 30.88% Bus services 22.06%
Quotes
“The town’s location is ideal for road and rail links to east and west of the country” “The Bay travel bus that goes round all the town and has a lot of stops to let people on and off” “It is central for travelling to all parts of Fife – Edinburgh – Dundee” “Burntisland is a good place to live as you have easy access to Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Edinburgh” “Transport links within Fife are good, especially the main line train services.”
2.4 High Street and town amenities
Respondents stated that they liked the different amenities Burntisland’s High Street has to offer, such as independent shops, cafés and takeaways.
Breakdown of comments Shops 67.78% Cafes 10.00% Takeaways 7.78% Co-op 5.56% ATM/Banks 3.33% Pubs 3.33% Post office 2.22%
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Quotes “The independent shops on the high street – great mix – and it’s rare to get a high street like this nowadays” “The town shops provide all that you need to get by without having to travel further afield” “That we have a fairly diverse and vibrant high street with fruit and veg shops, cafes, etc.” “The amenities are good in terms of shops i.e. a butchers, bakers, fruit and fishmongers” “You can buy a lot of things in the high street and it really feels that local people like to use and develop local amenities.”
2.5 Sport and leisure facilities
Burntisland’s sport and leisure facilities were mentioned a number of times and many respondents stated that they appreciated the golf course, the library and especially the Beacon centre.
Breakdown of comments
Beacon Centre (Swimming pool) 63.64% Library 21.59% Golf Course 14.77%
Quotes
“There are activities available for children and young people with good outdoor facilities for fun and exercise, such as play parks, skate parks, all weather pitch and a swimming pool” “Having a swimming pool and the construction of the new all weather pitch are great assets” “We do have an excellent golf club which is well patronised” “Large variety of leisure activities for all ages both indoor and out, including sports and the arts” “I like the library which offers internet access and the assistants are very helpful”
2.6 Character of town
Burntisland’s particular character is a combination of fascinating history and modern day tourism as well as being small, quiet and relatively safe.
Breakdown of comments
Small 35.00% Historic 28.75% Quiet 12.50% Visitors 12.50% Safe/low crime 11.25%
Quotes
“Long, interesting history – architectural ‘genius’” 6
Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
“There doesn’t seem to be much crime” “There is a long and interesting history contained within the town with a historically important church alongside some little interesting pockets of architectural interest” “The old buildings are a fascinating insight into life in the old Binn village” “It’s historical and everyone seems proud of that”
2.7 Public services and facilities
Respondents valued the public services that Burntisland had to offer – namely the housing, the church, health services and in particular the new school.
Breakdown of comments
School 65.45% Health services 18.17% Church 12.73% Housing 3.64%
Quotes
“I am proud of the Parish church and all previous industries” “I love our health centre and dental practice for its personal approach to health matters” “I love the school, it has been a great institution for my children and has given them a good grounding”
2.8 Environment
The efforts of Floral Action Burntisland to enhance the town’s environment have not gone un-noticed. Several respondents also noted the cleanliness of the environment.
Breakdown of comments
Floral arrangements (FAB) 73.91% Clean environment 26.09%
Quotes
“The streets are clean, buildings seem well maintained and the coastline is clean and attractive, the play areas are kept in good condition” “The voluntary garden attendants (FAB) are to be commended” “Floral displays are beautiful and areas that have been beautified e.g. bus shelter painted and hanging baskets at bus stop” “What FAB are doing to improve public spaces” “The community flowers/hanging baskets etc are really lovely”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
3. WHAT DO YOU NOT LIKE ABOUT BURNTISLAND?
Dislike % of Responses Paths, parks and open spaces 42.71% Antisocial behaviour & loss of community spirit 34.03% Parking, traffic and roads 31.94% Built environment 25.69% Shops and amenities 18.40% Public services 17.36% Summer fairground – too long/short 9.72% Housing and development 8.68%
3.1 Paths, parks and open spaces
A large number of people dislike the amount of dog dirt and litter and that the beach and Links in particular are messy. The play parks are inadequate, there is a loss of green space and some foot paths are in need of an update.
Breakdown of comments
Dog dirt and litter 61.69% Messy links and beach 17.53% Inadequate play parks 10.39% Loss of green spaces 7.14% Foot paths 3.25%
Quotes
“Dog fouling continues on the beach, links and Toll park areas” “Certain visitors and residents (a minority) do not take sufficient care with regard to littering, dog fouling and chewing gum spitting” “Public pathways could do with getting weeds cut back (back of flats, near the golf course and the Point)” “Coastal path – becoming very overgrown, especially at Kirkton Road to Tunnel to Seamill on left hand side and at Collinswell” “The lack of really well equipped play facilities for younger children. While there is the east Links play park and the Toll park, they are sparsely equipped at best and poor”
3.2 Anti social behaviour and loss of community spirit
Over a third of respondents are concerned at the increasing anti-social behaviour, and associated loss of community spirit. A lack of community facilities and activities for young people is also highlighted. Some respondents felt that Burntisland residents are not listened to or well represented.
Breakdown of comments Anti-social behaviour 42.37% Loss of community spirit 26.27% Lack of facilities/activities for youth 23.73% Lack of representation 7.63%
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Quotes
“The fact that the high street is now taken over every night by a bunch of kids who vandalise, make my child scared to walk down the street, give cheek to everyone, run through gardens and destroy property and nothing gets done about them” “Difficult to get people to support community events. They seem to like the events but are not keen to help make them happen” “Lack of entertainment for children and teenagers such as youth clubs and discos” “The town has loads of potential but we allow others to make decisions that are totally negative and cause harm to the town. We need to be stronger and insist that improvements are made instead of money being squandered on projects in Kirkcaldy” “Not enough community spirit – a very “them and us” feel between the new houses and other residents which is sad”
3.3 Parking, traffic and roads
Parking issues – on the High Street, at the school and on the Links – are a problem for some. In addition speeding traffic, heavy trucks and lack of speed controls can make the roads feel less safe.
Breakdown of comments
High street parking 56.03% Speeding traffic 11.21% Parking on Links 10.34% Heavy trucks passing through 8.62% Lighting in street/Links 5.17% Parking at school 5.17% No speed bumps 3.45%
Quotes
“High street parking is a nightmare – every one complains about the situation, anyone listening? Example 24.6.15 08:30 Hours: Large delivery vehicles parked directly opposite each other at Watson’s and the Co-op and a double decker bus travelling east trying to squeeze through. Meanwhile traffic from Links place is trying to access the main road, total grid lock” “Parking provision not upheld due to lack of warden.” “ Dropping off school children is a disgrace and an accident waiting to happen (E.g parking in Fleming way) at corners – have nearly been involved in about 4 accidents” “Parking in high street – people double park, park on double yellows, there needs to be more traffic wardens” “The missing lighting on the Links park (could be solar if possible) means we can’t see in the late afternoon and at night in winter, same goes for all pathways such as that from Meadowfield through the Glebe place” “No speed bumps in the upper part of our street, cars exceeding the speed limit – especially boy racers with souped up cars”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
3.4 Built environment
Around a quarter of respondents don’t like some aspects of the built environment - shop fronts looking drab and boarded up, gap sites in the town, messy pavements, and ..... the loss of the town clock. Seagulls are a town nuisance, and some people commented on untidy houses and gardens.
Breakdown of comments
Shabby shop fronts 34.38% Gap sites/empty shops 22.66% Messy pavements 18.75% Loss of town clock 8.59% Seagulls nuisances 7.81% Untidy houses/gardens 7.81%
Quotes
“Shop fronts and general upkeep is tired and has an “unloved”, “uncared” for look” “The mess on the pavement outside what used to be the Spar area” “Town clock being removed and not repaired” “The old cinema site on the high street is a mess” “Feeding of the seagulls by visitors and some locals causes not only distress but damage to property and vehicles to residents living in the vicinity of the Links and the beach, notices are totally inadequate and waste bins should be gull proof.”
3.5 Shops and amenities
Many respondents commented on the limited variety of shops and supermarkets, and a lack of quality restaurants. Many also thought the existing pharmacy is inadequate for the size of town.
Breakdown of comments
Lack of variety of shops 42.62% Lack of restaurant/nice pubs 26.23% Pharmacy inadequate 18.03% Lack of supermarket 13.11%
Quotes “Too much fried/unhealthy food outlets and not enough decent cafes” “Food establishments are average or below average with only one or two raising the bar” “Shopping could be better, perhaps an alternative to the Co-op” “Not enough child friendly eating options, especially at the weekend – they need to have good toys etc for kids to play with” “Having to go out of town for a good restaurant. Miss having a gift shop. Too many take away restaurants.” “The Lloyds chemist in town always appears to be busy and at times under pressure.” “As there is only one chemist in the town, there is a crying need for one the North side, as the present one is usually overwhelmed with customers”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
3.6 Public Services
Around 17% of respondents are concerned that public services – police, transport and health - are no longer adequate for the size of town, and that Fife Council does not give Burntisland the same consideration as other mid-Fife towns.
Breakdown of comments
Lack of police presence 33.96% Lack of attention by Fife Council 30.19% No disabled access at train station 15.09% Bus links inadequate 13.21% Busy GP surgery 3.77% Lack of recycling facilities 3.77%
Quotes
“I don’t like that there is no longer a police station – it doesn’t make me confident that if there is an emergency, the police will get there in time” “I think Burntisland seems to get overlooked by Fife council in favour of Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy.” “ Burntisland has a large beach and I feel that all the amenities Burntisland has should be encouraged and advertised more by Fife council” “Lack of direct bus link to park and ride, Halbeath and Inverkeithing and Livingston” “Lack of disability access at railway station – one side catered for, the other like something out of the 19th century!” “Very difficult to get doctors’ appointment – usually have to wait a week”
3.7 Summer Fairground
Around 9.5% of respondents think that the Summer Fairground on the Links is there for too long. However there were a couple of folk that think they should be there for longer!
Breakdown of comments
Shows here for too long 96.43% Too short 3.57%
Quotes
“I don’t like the length of time the shows are here and the loss of amenity of the links while they are here” “I don’t like the fair on the links every year. It is there way too long (maximum should be two weeks) and destroys the links. There is too much rubbish around, the people aren’t friendly, it brings rough people to Burntisland and we can’t enjoy the links or the beach in the summer” “The three months of substandard fairground rides and tacky shows blighting the links so that we can’t use the area during the best weather of the year” “I would rather we did not have the shows all summer as they attract foul mouthed, littering families who put me off taking my own family anywhere near” “Hate the fairground staying so long – it attracts the wrong type of people to the area (only interested in drinking and takeaway food) – I don’t see what it brings to the area.” 11
Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
3.8 Housing and Development
A rapid growth in the town through housing development is a concern, as is the perceived allocation of “undesirable” people to Council housing. A few respondents did comment that there is still insufficient affordable housing. Breakdown of comments
Inappropriate large scale development of housing 50.00% Allocation of housing 42.31% Lack of affordable housing 7.69%
Quotes
“I don’t like the new housing developments which have limited spatial connection with the original urban structure and consist of ‘anywhere’ houses which have no relationship to the built form and architecture of small Scotland towns” “New houses being built at Grange distillery on a site that is known to flood.” “Too many houses being built. Came as residents from Edinburgh in 1976. Came to what was more of country. Thought we would escape city life. Green spaces disappearing” “Planners seem to very easily grant permissions to controversial applications” “That there seems to be more people getting moved into Burntisland that are on drugs. You only have to go to the chemist to see this.”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
4. WHAT WOULD MAKE BURNTISLAND BETTER TO LIVE IN, WORK IN OR VISIT?
Improvement % of Responses Town centre experience 59.03% Local economy 27.43% Community facilities and activities 23.61% Better services 20.14% Improve environment 18.75% Transport and roads 17.01% Don’t know/nothing 8.68% Housing and development 6.60%
4.1 Town centre experience
The majority of respondents thought that improving the town centre experience was the top priority. This mainly includes having a better variety of shops, tidying shop fronts and doing something about the gap sites, providing better High Street parking and tourist information and also repairing the pavements.
Breakdown of comments
More variety of shops 37.76% Shop fronts/gap sites 26.53% Improve parking 21.43% Provide tourist information 11.73% Repair pavements 2.55%
Quotes “Lack of shops selling beach wear, towels, change of clothes etc.” “Change the parking layout on the town’s high street back to its old format” “High street traders need to keep their shop fronts and pavements clean and spruce” “The site of the old cinema to be the site of a new up to date cinema/art gallery/museum/theatre all of which could show films, bands plays etc” “Maximise the history – better sign posts and better tourism awareness, show info boards and directions in various languages, work with Fife Tourism Partnership (FTP) to showcase Burntisland’s unique history” “If the fair wasn’t here, the area would attract different types of tourists and perhaps get a chance to have interesting shops – galleries, nice coffee shops, a deli”
4.2 Local economy
The local economy was a major aspect that respondents wanted to improve – in particular, they want more jobs for local people, training and learning opportunities and to attract new businesses such as cafes and restaurants.
Breakdown of comments
More jobs 58.77% Training/skill sharing 21.05%
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
New businesses 20.18% Quotes
“Maybe someone could be employed part time in the summer as some sort of guide to help visitors who have any questions and encourage visitors to the attractions Burntisland has” “More work units in dock area to add to employment” “Young adults with no skills to learn skill trades EG Joiner work, painters etc” “Skill sharer groups – one person shows a skill to a group who learn, EG – photography.” “One on one skill share – I offer to teach Spanish, would like to learn to play piano. Tokens for teaching. Play with tokens earnt.” “A real ale pub/gastropub would be hugely attractive to both locals and tourists” “A wine type bar/eating place could become a local point/meeting place”
4.3 Community facilities and activities
Around a quarter of respondents think that the community facilities and activities are inadequate and there should be more for young people and elderly to do, as well as better sports facilities, improved play parks and more clubs and events.
Breakdown of comments
More for young people 24.53% Better sports facilities 22.64% More clubs/events 21.70% Improve play parks 20.75% More for older people 10.38%
Quotes
“Social community evening, informal, for concerts, jam sessions, buffet, laughter, dance and fun” “With an aging population, I think it would be good to have more for our elderly (exercise classes, social)” “More facilities for teenagers ie use of school for table tennis and games. A tennis court would also be beneficial” “Without constant Fair presence, the links could be used for a wide range of short term activities appealing to a broader range of visitors and people in the community” “It would be good if the Toll park was in use for football games and community events” “A more comprehensively equipped play park with accessible play equipment for the disabled children as well as for able bodied children”
4.4 Better Services
Improving Burntisland’s public services was another aspect that respondents felt was important. They think that the health facilities need improving – particularly access at the Health Centre and an adequate pharmacy. Having a greater police presence at key times, toilets which are open more frequently and always clean would improve the quality of life. The lack of a petrol station was mentioned as well as reinstatement of the town clock reinstated and renovation of the old school.
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Breakdown of comments
Improve health facilities 26.87% Greater police presence 20.90% Open/clean toilets 17.91% Petrol station 14.93% Town clock 10.45% Renovate old school 8.96%
Quotes
“A far greater police presence and manned station” “Another dentist and chemist that doesn’t shut for lunch” “Reduce waiting times for getting a doctor’s appointment” “Refurbish toilet block at far side of the links and provide changing facilities” “There is no petrol station. This takes away from our shops as going elsewhere for petrol leads people to cheaper supermarkets” “Reinstatement of the town clock which part from being a time piece was recognised as a historic land mark in the town” “Derelict/empty buildings should be developed e.g. old primary school.”
4.5 Improve environment
Respondents felt that the environment needs to be improved upon – this involves picking up the litter and dog mess, cleaning the beach, carrying out maintenance by cutting the grass and cleaning paths, providing more recycling facilities and developing open space at the Point.
Breakdown of comments
Pick up litter/dog mess/poo bins 63.89% Clean beach 18.06% Maintenance (Grass cut, paths) 11.11% More recycling facilities 4.17% Develop the Point 2.78%
Quotes
“Environmental wardens on the beach in summer to stop people littering” “An awareness and education campaign on the perils of littering to the economic wellbeing of the town might help” “More dog waste buckets on the coastal path” “The point could have more things on it to make it more appealing e.g picnic sites, toilets, football pitches, park, good place to view wild life” “Plastics and bottle recycling bins in residential areas would be beneficial”
4.6 Transport and roads
17% of respondents thought that transport and roads in Burntisland needed to be improved. Specifically, this includes an increassed bus service, better traffic controls and crossings, improved disabled access at the train station, repairing the roads and better lighting. 15
Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Breakdown of comments
More busses 21.67% Traffic & parking controls 21.67% Disabled access to train station 20.00% Do up train station 16.66% Repair Roads 10.00% Better lighting 10.00%
Quotes
“More busses going to Edinburgh, or linking to Ferrytoll, Halbeath Park and Ride.” “Traffic wardens moving cars from pavements and stopping parking across dropped pavements” “Additional parking is required at the railway station; there is adequate ground available south of the rail station (site of the Railway club)” “More people cycling in place of their current car journeys – many residential streets are over flowing with cars” “Disabled access to both platforms at train station” “Repair our poorly maintained roads properly” “A lighting system on the links illuminating the route to the tunnel/skateboard park and the bathing pool”
4.7 Don’t know/ nothing
Nearly 9% of respondents either didn’t know what improvements could be made, or left this question blank.
4.8 Housing and development
Some respondents felt that certain housing needed repaired and improved. Stopping further housing development and improving housing allocations were also mentioned.
Breakdown of comments
Repair/do-up houses 41.67% Stop building houses 33.33% Housing allocation 25.00%
Quotes
“Renovate houses” “Curtailment of housing development schemes in the town, there is an insufficient capacity in the school, nursery and medical centre to support the existing population” “Due to more housing development it is obvious the new school can’t cope so why wasn’t the old school refurbished for overspill instead of more housing” “Putting the wrong people in the council houses”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
5. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES FOR ACTION – BIG AND SMALL?
The priorities for action, both big and small are listed in order of the number of times they were mentioned.
THEME1 : Town centre improvement and local economy HOW MANY TIMES
Attract new businesses & promote/support existing – 53 e.g. new restaurant, supermarket. Late night shopping. Tidy up shops and shop fronts, empty properties and gap sites 51 Reinstate the Town clock 48 Clean the High Street and pavements 25 Volunteering, employment and training opportunities 8 Tourism strategy 1
THEME 2: Community and recreation facilities and activities HOW MANY TIMES
Improve existing play facilities & develop new ones 48 Improve Sports facilities – football pitches, sports hall, skate park, all 22 weather sports and outdoor gym, tennis courts, Beacon Centre Improve youth facilities & activities 15 Improve community facilities e.g. Toll Centre, Young Hall, build new 13 community centre Cinema / arts venue 11 Greater community cohesion and influence 10 Facilities & support for older and lonely people 9 More events for the whole community 6 Develop Point/Red Pond area for recreation 4 Info and promo about what’s on/calendar of events 3 Burgh Chambers developed 3
THEME 3: Parking, roads and transport HOW MANY TIMES
Improve car parking in town & Links 48 Traffic calming/speed controls/road safety 16 Sea links/ferry transport to Edinburgh 6 More bus links and park and ride 6 Safe routes for cyclists 5 No parking on Links 4 Improve parking at school 4 Parking at train station 4 Road repairs and improvement 4
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
THEME 4: Environmental improvements HOW MANY TIMES
Dog bins/dog fouling 40 Clean up litter, provide more litter bins 25 Improve and clear paths e.g. Coastal path, Binn, etc 18 Retain & improve maintenance of open spaces 18 Continue to develop gardening projects – floral displays, sensory 6 garden, community garden/orchard, wildflowers Energy efficiency/renewable energy project 3 Resurface area by war memorial 1 Develop old primary school building 1
THEME 5: Access to Services HOW MANY TIMES
Disabled access at train station 15 Police station/presence 14 Better lighting on the links/beach 11 Toilets – cleaner, open more often 9 New/bigger chemist 5 Improve GP surgery/Health centre 5 Petrol station 2 Secondary school 2 Free Wifi areas 2
THEME 6: Seaside and visitor experience HOW MANY TIMES
Develop Marina / harbour area 16 Control seagulls 10 Cut down length of summer Fairground 13 Beach café/restaurant 8 Festivals and events 7 Better promotion of Burntisland and information for visitors – signage, 7 guides, etc Cable car up the Binn 1
THEME 7: Housing and development HOW MANY TIMES
Oppose further development 5 Affordable housing – for young and old 4 Housing development in dock area 2 Stop housing undesirables 2
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
6. OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF BURNTISLAND
We asked people what they hoped for their community by 2025, their vision for Burntisland in 10 years time. Here is what they said:
Burntisland will be known as a vibrant seaside destination town with a thriving waterfront, excellent facilities and a cultural experience -
“seen as a top destination in Scotland for that seaside experience, bustling high Street filled with unique and interesting shops, nice venues for a coffee or drink” “I can imagine visitors strolling around with their audio history guides visiting various points of interest” “I’d like to see Burntisland become a truly vibrant seaside destination – with a nod to the fairground” “Expand the Playground of Fife theme – let’s develop and adapt!” “we must ensure that Burntisland remains the Playground of Fife for generations to come” “A thriving, well connected local and commuting community – with a “sea shore” vibe that feels slightly lacking at the moment” “boat trips from the newly revamped harbour” “Scottish beach destination of choice providing the best range of sea and land based activities in the UK” “ a seaport that people want to spend time at” “award winning town for attracting tourism and business” “cleaner and more modern seaside tourist attraction” “Burntisland will be an interesting place to visit and focus on more cultural aspects as well as the Fair and seaside”
A busy and attractive High Street boasting quality shops and restaurants, local produce, and convenient access. A town centre to be proud of! –
“a mixed High Street of specialist shops and everyday convenience shops” “a busy High Street with more bespoke shops and restaurants” “I think the High Street would be a much more vibrant and colourful place, pedestrianised and occupied with independent shops selling locally produced, artisan or craft food and materials” “vibrant high Street is the centre for all sorts of community activities” “it should be a bustling area with good quality independent shops and galleries” “the High Street would attract people and would be clean and well kept with no boarded up shops” “ a developed cultural and artistic centre” “bustling High Street with shops, bars and restaurants to attract families and teenagers” “ thriving High Street with a small cinema, decent pubs, street fairs and markets”
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
Burntisland will be much the same size, and still have an amazing community spirit – inclusive, safe and caring; providing services and facilities and activities for all ages and abilities –
“a lively supportive community where we feel proud to be Burntisland residents, where we welcome visitors and care for each other” “limit development on green space, preserve parks and facilities” “more affordable housing – but not on our parks” “it would be great if by 2025 the Castle no longer had a reputation” “more time and money spent on the youth – involving them in the initiatives and giving them a sense of ownership” “specialised retirement area with facilities for older people – e.g. in Norway” “nice clean town with large enough facilities to accommodate the population” “good youth facilities and opportunities for jobs for young people” “a community that looks after each other across the generations” “good leisure and health facilities for adults and children” “local groups working together for mutual benefit – to strengthen and celebrate the community”
We will have made the most of our natural assets and coastal location – a clean, safe beach, community management of the Links, accessible countryside, and development of our coastal potential –
“an attractive 21st century seaside resort making full use of its wonderful natural situation and amenities – its fantastic beach, links, harbour and history” “enhanced and connected green space” “a clean beach – keeping the Blue Flag” “more development down by the seafront – not just the beach and pool” “we have an exceptionally beautiful location and having pride in this has to be priority” “an attractive clean beach and links which encourages people outdoors” “a nature hotspot – a town that cares for and encourages its nature .... before it’s too late” “the links treated and managed as a premier greenspace” “that the town’s natural assets and the environment and valued and protected”
Celebrating the rich heritage of Burntisland, but also innovating and working together for a sustainable future –
“more awareness of things that are unique, unusual, worth celebrating about the place/town/Burgh – historic and current” “some innovative, even off the wall projects which make our town stand out from the rest” “an aspirational, culturally rich & diverse town at the forefront of community and green projects” “Britain’s first “off grid” community?” “self sufficient in its own energy resources” “a clean vibrant town, that knows which direction it’s headed” “a sustainable community that has taken control of its own future”
“A community with energy and vibrancy – and a plan for the future!” 20
Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
7 COMMON GOOD FUND ASSETS – IMPROVEMENTS AND FUTURE USE
Burntisland’s Common Good Fund comprises property and land including the Links, Young Hall (Music Hall), Burgh Chambers complex, the Unity Hall. Title to Common Good Properties is currently held by Fife Council.
Fife Council in recent years has been open to discussion about the future management of the Common Good Assets, and has established a Fund to assist communities to carry out consultation and studies to inform their decision making.
These are the views of local people about the main Common Good Fund Assets, and how they could be best used and developed in the future.
7.1 The Links
Future use: How many times mentioned More events – festivals, sporting events 43 Shorten length of shows 31 No parking on links/ better parking 17 Better general use by community 7 Improve and use bandstand 6
Improvements - facilities How many times Better play facilities 41 Re-open/renovate toilets 26 Seating, tables and shelter 24 Lighting 8 No snack bar/burger van 5 Information boards 4 Fitness equipment 2
Improvements – Environment How many times Gardens, flowers and trees (e.g. wildflowers, spring 9 flower, sensory garden) Dog free area 4 Cycling and walking paths 2 Seagull control 1
Improvements – maintenance How many times Litter/Litter bins/ Dog poo 40 General maintenance and cleaning 8
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Burntisland Community Futures Community Views Survey
7.2 The Young Hall
Future Use How many times More activities and events esp. for youth 55 Better information, advertising and signage 30 A cinema / performance venue 16 More affordable for groups 3 Sell it 3
Improvements How many times General upgrade and repairs 55 Improve parking/external area 11 Bigger hall 3 Better disabled access 4
7.3 Burgh Chambers
Future Use How many times More community use 45 Museum/ heritage info 10 Weddings/registrar 9 Library/internet/job search 7 Business units 6 Tourist info centre 4 Sell it 4
Improvements How many times Return/Repair town clock 34 More information about it 17 General maintenance and repair 16 Disabled access 6
7.4 Unity Hall
Future Use How many times Don’t know what/where it is 32 More community use 20 Sell it 6 Visitor use – toilet/ indoor picnic spot 2
Improvements How many times General refurbishment 12 More information/advertising 12
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