ROADS surrounding the fire damaged Khushi's building in Dunfermline city centre have reopened after nearly two months.
Safety work has been ongoing at the site since the devastating blaze which saw the restaurant, as well as other surrounding businesses, close.
Some opened in the days following the April 21 incident but Khushi's and neighbouring Lourenzos have remained shut, while Fabric, on Canmore Street, only welcomed back customers earlier this month.
Road closures have been affecting shops on Maygate, with Louise Hutchison, operations manager at Abbot House, telling the Press in April that "Road barriers have literally become barriers to trade".
Fife Council has confirmed that roads in the area have reopened, but that restrictions still remain in place.
Ian Jones, lead consultant, said: "While work continues to repair the damaged building, scaffolding is still needed there. "While that's in place we'll operate a one-way system northbound on St Margaret Street between Abbey Park Place and Abbot Street, and westbound between Abbey Park Place to the junction at Guildhall Street.
"Signage is in place to direct drivers."
Businesses on Maygate have welcomed the removal of road closures after struggling with low footfall since the fire at Khushi's restaurant on St Margaret Street. (Image: NQ Staff)
Nearby businesses have welcomed the news, with many taking to social media to inform customers.
Abbot House posted online: "We're pleased to let you know that the Maygate has once again been opened up to traffic, with fencing currently being removed at the crossroads.
"There will be a one way diversion in place for a short time but you will now be able to drive along Canmore Street and access the Maygate from there.
"Pedestrian access has also been fully reinstated.
"It goes without saying that our thoughts still lie firmly with Khushi's who have been so devastated by the recent fire."
Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, which was forced to close in the days following the fire, added: "The Maygate has reopened and there is now full access for both pedestrians and cars.
"We know it has been difficult for some of you to get to us these past few weeks but we can't wait to welcome you once again. "Though it's great to see things back to normal, our thoughts remain with our friends at Khushi's Dunfermline."
The Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant said the last few weeks "have had a real impact on both ourselves and all the other businesses on the street".
Owner Colin Gardner continued: "As I’ve said to many of you in the shop, I’d have a cheek to moan about it too much considering we’ve been able to remain open while the folks at Khushi’s and their neighbours have been completely closed.
"A return to normality would be very welcome though and see the Maygate fully come back to life again, it’s felt a bit weird since things were shut down!"
No update has been provided on when Lourenzos, on St Margaret Street, will open but the venue has announced it is hiring for new staff.
There are "multiple roles available" and anyone interested should message the Lourenzos Facebook page or email Lourenzos@hotmail@hotmail.co.uk.
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