DALGETY BAY deserves a replacement for its “decrepit” community centre – and other areas in Fife would have received cash sooner in the same position.

That’s the claim of Conservative councillor Dave Dempsey, who says the project to create a new hub for the town needs “millions” of pounds to be successful.

He wants Fife Council to put aside “hard cash” to support the work when it decides its next capital plan.

Cllr Dempsey said: “Dalgety Bay should have had a new building years ago to replace its decrepit community centre. Had the town sat in some other parts of Fife, that would have happened.

“However, we are where we are and everyone realises that, left to itself, Fife Council isn’t going to deliver.

“The Dalgety Community Trust have taken on the task. They do a terrific job and they deserve every support.”

Earlier this month an Edinburgh-based firm, Lee Boyd Architects, was tasked with drawing up plans for the long-awaited hub. It will replace the existing community centre on Moray Way.

The trust hopes to deliver a two-floor, 1,000 square metres facility which provides “a wide range of inter-generational facilities and services”.

There will be a community cafe, multi-use rooms, offices and work spaces, IT support facilities, an activity and performing arts hall and outdoor space.

It is also planned to include a Dalgety Bay heritage centre.

Cllr Dempsey continued: “Earlier this year, the council did give the trust £30,000 to develop their plans.

“The trust are using that to advance their hub concept but that’ll come to nothing unless funding in the millions can be secured further down the line.

“While that won’t all come from Fife Council, a statement from the council now that substantial funds will be provided will give the trust a lever to obtain other money from elsewhere. Failure by the council to support the hub would sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of other potential funders.

“I’ve discussed this with the Labour administration and initial feedback is positive. No-one’s against. Everyone recognises the need but words alone won’t build the hub. That requires hard cash.”

The review of the council’s 10 year capital programme will be presented at the full council meeting on June 22. And there will be an attempt to include the Dalgety Bay hub.

Cllr David Ross, Fife Council leader, said: “The Labour administration has met with all the other political groups to discuss the programme and this is one of projects that has been raised with us.

“Our capital programme is for major infrastructure projects like new schools, roads and community facilities as well as maintaining our existing assets.

“The programme is under significant financial pressure so there is very limited opportunity to bring in new projects.

“Having said that, there is a good case for this project which is supported by all the local councillors representing Dalgety Bay, so we will try to include it in our proposals for the updated programme.”