Care home plans given go-ahead

AN Angus home for people with learning disabilities is to be demolished and replaced as part of sweeping changes to estates.

The Gables in Forfar has homed service users since 1980 and is considered by watchdogs as a “homely and happy” residential space for 17 people — but the facilities have been described as “limited” for modern use.

Angus councillors on the policy and resources committee have now rubber-stamped plans to replace the home and it is understood the care service, formerly provided by Angus Council and latterly the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, will be rebuilt as singlestorey accommodation under a registered social landlord.

However the local authority has not given out any details of t he move.

The Forfar f a c i l i t y, described in a recent Care Inspectorate report as ageing but otherwise highquality in terms of service, was marked surplus to requirements last year.

However a buyer has yet to be found and the service continues to operate.

It i s not known how many service users the plans will affect, or the number of staff.

In its i nspection l ast year, the Care Inspectorate said the home did a “very good” job i n arranging activities for its service users, but was limited by a shortage of private toilets and baths/showers, and restrictions to freedom of movement.”