Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee has agreed to introduce a time-limited Business Resilience Support Scheme, which will provide targeted financial support, to help Thornton businesses affected by prolonged disruption linked to the major Network Rail works in the area.

The scheme has been developed in recognition of the exceptional and sustained impact the works are expected to have on local businesses, particularly those reliant on passing trade and customer access. It is designed to provide targeted support during a period of disruption that goes beyond what would normally be anticipated.

Councillor Altany Craik, Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning said: “This a temporary and exceptional intervention, reflecting the unique circumstances faced by the community.”

“Alongside the scheme, additional support will be available through business advice, local promotion and engagement activity, helping to encourage footfall and support trading throughout the works.”

“We recognise that the disruption in Thornton is unlike anything local businesses would normally be expected to manage, and that it will have a real impact on livelihoods. With the road closed for around five and a half months and disruption expected to last up to 14 months in total, we recognise this will effectively split Thornton in two and create significant challenges for local traders.”

Further details on how businesses can access the scheme will be shared directly with those affected in due course.

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