THE Cowdenbeath local community planning budget has been reimbursed £67,700 for Lochgelly Public Park improvement works and the Humbug Park play area refurbishments. 

Both projects have already been completed, but councillors agreed to take the money from the area capital budget instead – putting the money back into the other local planning budget. 

“The committee is asked to agree to a total contribution of £67,771 from the Area Capital Budget to cover the cost of the Lochgelly Public Park footpath and lighting improvements and the Humbug Park play area work as both projects are capital in nature,” a report explained. 

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It was left for the committee to agree which budget would cover the costs. 

At a cost of £60,000, Lochgelly public park improvements saw the footpath – which was in poor condition – upgraded.

And the formerly inadequate street lighting was also improved throughout the park. 

The project was approved by the area committee nearly two years ago. However, councillors were told on Wednesday that the project is “capital in nature”.

Using the area capital budget will free up money for other local community planning projects this year. 

There was a similar situation with the Humbug Park play area. The project improved the footpath at the playpark area and addressed footpath flooding issues. 

The £7,771 bill has now been picked up by the area capital budget – freeing up money for other local community planning projects.