"FOR a city to be called a city, it needs an A&E – and Dunfermline does not have one".

While lots of imaginative and ambitious ideas were put forward at a conference to help shape the city's future, locals also highlighted obstacles to overcome.

The absence of accident and emergency at Queen Margaret Hospital was a "big issue, especially when considering the projected population growth", but there are things Kirkcaldy has that Dunfermline doesn't want – such as a 'dead' High Street.

Dunfermline Press: The A&E department at Queen Margaret Hospital closed in January 2012. The A&E department at Queen Margaret Hospital closed in January 2012.

A report presented to councillors earlier this month, which summarised the views expressed from 178 delegates at the conference, said: "We need to learn from Kirkcaldy and Falkirk.

"In both, the expansion of retail on the outskirts killed the town centres dead."

Participants also identified a pedestrianised zone that isn't pedestrian friendly, poor transport links with the railway stations, high business rates and the "hugely off-putting" number of vacant premises in and around High Street.

Dunfermline Press: Dunfermline should be wary of ending up like Kirkcaldy or Falkirk, as expansion of retail on the outskirts killed the town centres dead. Dunfermline should be wary of ending up like Kirkcaldy or Falkirk, as expansion of retail on the outskirts killed the town centres dead. (Image: Newsquest)

Delegates said there was a lack of co-ordination since the business improvement district company folded, the report noted that "collaboration and joined-up thinking is not always there", and complained that buses from the outskirts into the city centre were "prohibitively expensive" and discourage locals from using them.

The report added: "That is only going to get worse with the new houses that are going to be built all round the city."

To appeal to young people, participants believe there needs to be a focus on music, gaming, sports and group activities, as well as giving them a sense of belonging and civic pride.

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The report added: "Kids who are 12 and over now have bus passes that can get them into Dunfermline for free, so what can we offer them in the city centre other than sports clothing shops?"

It was also felt that better communication with Dunfermline Athletic would "help get people from the ground into the city centre and spending money" while there should be a drive towards better and more fulfilling jobs, improved IT skills and more volunteering opportunities.