Controversial proposals to move Cupar’s historic mercat cross to allow the free movement of lorries in the town centre have been narrowly approved by councillors.
Fife Council’s North-East Fife planning committee voted by seven votes to five to move the B-Listed mercat cross from its position on an island at the junction of Crossgate/Bonnygate to the pavement a few yards away on the north-western side of Crossgate.
The proposal is part of a wider scheme led by council transportation services to reduce traffic delays and air pollution on the A91 corridor through Cupar, specifically at the mercat cross and the east end of St Catherine Street junctions.
Transport officials say the move will allow vehicles to turn safely into narrow Bonnygate without veering into oncoming traffic, following the proposed removal of the traffic signals and the implementation of a give-way junction.
Howe of Fife councillor David MacDiarmid, seconded by Councillor Donald Lothian, moved refusal. He said its position “adds a lot of character” to the town centre.
He said it was better in a central position, where people could see it and remained unconvinced that encouraging lorries to venture into Crossgate and make a left turn into Bonnygate was a good thing.
Cupar councillor Karen Marjoram, seconded by Tay Bridgehead member Tim Brett, moved approval. She noted that the cross had been sited in various locations over the years.
A hexagon marked on the road near J&T Rodger showed its original position. At one time, it had even been sited on Tarvit Hill, several miles outside of town.
She said a condition of approval should be that the cross’s position is marked on the road with its own cobbled hexagon.
Fife Council service manager and committee lead officer Alastair Hamilton said the history of the mercat cross had been “peripatetic”.
He said: “The proposed works to relocate the mercat cross would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area…and would create a more user-friendly, safe environment for pedestrians and vehicles.”