Published Date: Jul 15th, 2020
Fife Council and local businesses have been working hard to safely welcome back visitors to Fife’s towns.
Fife Council is rolling out signage and markings to help with queuing and physical distancing on our footpaths and precincts in Fife, with signs already up in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Leven. The council will monitor the situation as shoppers return to town centres to provide support to make sure everyone is kept safe.
Businesses and Fife Council are actioning plans for shoppers and visitors returning in very different ways, with reduced capacity in business premises, queuing outside and the potential for some business to use outdoor space.
Cllr. Altany Craik, Convener - Economy, Tourism, Strategic Planning & Transportation Committee, said: “I’m very pleased that more businesses are safely re-opening. Our businesses across Fife have done an amazing job to make sure they can open safely and so I encourage people to support them if they can.
“Increased footfall is now expected as visitors make their way back to our town centres and their favourite retailers, restaurants and cafes, following an ease in lockdown measures.
“It is important to note, though, that shops are opening, but things are going to be different for quite a while, physical distancing, queuing outside and wearing face coverings is going to be the new normal for many months to come.”
Leven Loves Local – Fife’s Towns Warmly Welcome Back Visitors
As non-essential businesses re-open, Leven town centre is welcoming people back.
Here’s how some of Leven’s businesses are safely re-opening to visitors.
Father and daughter team Eddie and Julie Young, who have been running Motor Fits on Commercial Road for over 22 years, have made changes to the shop as they welcome back customers. Keeping their customers in mind, new protective screens, hand sanitisers and physical distancing reminders are in place.
Eddie Young, Motor Fits Owner, said: “We have also introduced a one in, one out, personal shopping experience approach for now, which customers seem to enjoy. Customers get our undivided attention and we can offer advice, giving our customers confidence to find exactly what car parts and accessories they need, hassle free. We are also at the end of the phone, so customers can call us and check our stock before their journey.”
Boutique No.1 the ladies clothing and accessories store on Durie Street have also re-opened their doors and have put in place protective screens, distance makers and a hand sanitising station to help address Covid-19. Manager, Pamela Hamilton, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome back customers. It’s amazing to see people back in store again and we are enjoying helping them find that special item, or even a complete new wardrobe, as a treat after weeks in lockdown. We’re also helping customers who want to support local by home shopping. By using our Facebook page, customers can message us and we will sent out items directly to them.”
Owners Jordan Malcolm and Steven Morris at 5 star rated Cupcake Coffee Box Leven have also been welcoming back customers, ensuring they can enjoy their favourite order. Jordan said: “We have closely followed the Scottish Government’s guidelines and have put in place all the measures recommended for café’s, with inside and outside eating areas. Things may look slightly different, for example, with screens in place but our quality food and drinks are still the same.
“Customers tell us that one of the things they have missed the most over recent few months is our amazing coffee. The local community has been great in supporting local businesses and helping to secure jobs in the area by using our take-away or table service.”
Leven Environment Group have been out in force, ensuring the 86 hanging baskets and 90 tubs are flowering and fabulous as a colourful welcome to everyone as they come back into Leven to find what they need and support the local economy.
Throughout lockdown, Leven residents have enjoyed walks along the Prom, through the Glen or Silverburn Park. Essential businesses from the butchers to the greengrocer have put the seal on the value of local as trusted traders who continued to serve the community during lockdown.