Anger at care home delays
Officials still need more information
Councillors have been accused of “ducking” a decision on the closure of two South Ayrshire care homes.
D- Day on Ayr’s South Lodge and Hillcrest in Girvan has been delayed – despite months of public consultation.
More than 50 bed spaces – and a string of jobs – are under threat at both sites.
Now officials who prepared a lengthy report on the proposals have been told to go away and gather more information.
Failure to make the long awaited decision has been slammed by relatives of those awaiting their fate.
One family member, who asked not to be named, said: “We have spent months going through a consultation exercise and it’s been a very nervous time.
“We were putting our faith in the councillors making the right decision when presented with the evidence.
“But with the timing ahead of the upcoming election, it feels as if they’re ducking their responsibility and kicking this into the long grass.”
Angry union leaders called on clarity at the “much loved establishments”.
The GMB’s Paul Arkison said: “This delay to the review is only adding to the uncertainty for the residents, families and staff.
“While it is welcome that local councillors have requested further information about these services, it proves that there is demand for South Lodge and Hillcrest to be retained.
“Many GMB members have suggested that this decision has been fudged until after the council elections, which if that is the case would be extremely damaging, as this decision should be taken in the best interests of the residents and the employees and not on the future prospects of politicians attempting to get elected to South Ayrshire Council.”
Kenny Leinster, head of community care at South Ayrshire Council, said: “Members have asked for further information and the report will go to panel in due course.”