PLANS TO revive a former Tayport cafe have received the thumbs-up from locals.

More than 90 online statements of support have been sent to Fife Council after a planning application to open a “community cafe” at the former Jane’s Harbour Tearoom in Broad Street.

Spearheaded by Tayport Community Trust, the plans for the run-down premises, called an “eyesore” by residents, were lodged in May.

Tayport currently has no cafe facilities, something locals say is long overdue.

One statement of support from Mrs Christine Aldridge reads, “What a fantastic idea. As a regular visitor to Tayport we have often struggled to find somewhere indoors that is not a pub to take the children for tea and cake.”

Another, from Mr Ron Mitcham, added, “I fully support this worthwhile venture, Tayport needs facilities like this integrated into its social fabric.”

In his application letter to the local authority, the chairman of the trust, Tony Gowland, stressed his belief that residents were backing the plans.

He wrote, “From talking to the people of Tayport at public meetings and elsewhere, it became clear to us there was a demand in Tayport for a cafe and many asked why the harbour cafe couldn’t be reopened.”

Formed just last year, the Tayport Community Trust —which boasts 109 members—aims to promote a “vibrant and sustainable community” identifying the cafe as playing a key role in achieving this.

Located just yards from the town harbour the once- popular outlet, which has been closed for around four years, was chosen for its attractive location.

However the proposal has received two online objections questioning the plans.

Mrs Fiona Dear wrote, “As the owner of the property directly above the premises, I must object to the application as it stands for a full class three licence.

“It is possible that in the future, should the community trust give up the lease, it could be taken over by someone who would be free to begin full-scale cooking.

“The premises are in no way suitable for such cooking and a single extract fan to the street would be extracting smells directly under our windows.

“If it were possible for the planners to grant the application, but with strict conditions attached, I would be content for the application to succeed.”

A former resident and now landlord of one of the properties in the same building, Mr Euan Fisher, shared this view adding, “Parking was previously a problem as customers would park their vans on the pavement on the corners around the shop causing an obstruction to traffic and hazard to pedestrians.

“I would like to see the shop being used and think a community group would be a good tenant but the problems encountered when there was a cafe run from here before are real and proven and must be addressed.”

Tayport Community Trust say they are confident these issues can be resolved by offering “limited cooking” on the premises which is claimed will satisfy the need for a local cafe and meeting place but also address neighbours’ concerns.