Tayport cafe plan supporters can have celebratory cuppa
A Tayport community group is celebrating after its bid for £6000 of public funds to help develop a cafe near the harbour was approved.
- By Craig McManamon
- Published in the Courier : 02.09.10
- Published online : 02.09.10 @ 11.03am
North East Fife area committee backed the application lodged by the Tayport Community Trust to award the funds from Fife Council's Community Capital Grants Scheme.
The trust now plans to renovate the premises, formerly known as Jane's Harbour Tea Room, on the corner of Broad Street.
Overall costs are expected to reach £75,000, including hiring staff, but the trust believes the investment will be worthwhile and provide a meeting place for locals and visitors.
Fife Council's voluntary services officer Jim Douglas told councillors the application was "among the top 10" he had ever come across — but some questioned whether the costs were justified in relation to the project's size.
Independent Cupar councillor Bryan Poole said he felt "uncomfortable" with the 10-year lease already signed by the trust for the premises, which have been closed for several years.
He fears those running the cafe could be "turfed out" at the end of that period leaving the owner of the building with a revamped and much improved property.
Mike Scott-Hayward, councillor for the East Neuk and Landward, was more concerned about how the cash would be allocated and keen for it not to be handed over in a lump sum.
"I move that the £6000 is placed into an account which can be drawn by the tust after all the other money has been used for relinquishments," he said.
Although the motion was seconded, it was defeated nine to two by councillors who ruled in favour of allowing the total amount to the community trust.
The action was welcomed by the group, which has already amassed more than £68,000 from other external sources such as the rural development support group LEADER in Fife, the Community Safety Fund and also the Awards for All programme.
Now with the £75,000 target reached, the trust hopes to start work by the end of this year.
Tayport Community Trust chairman Tony Gowland said, "We are extremely pleased that Fife Council's area committee has granted this significant contribution which will allow internal refurbishment work at the cafe in the harbour."
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