Councillors delay vote on planned care home but back programme

FIFE Council is pressing ahead with its care home replacement programme – despite delaying a decision on a new unit for Cupar.

The policy and co-ordination committee was due to consider a proposal to cut the size of the planned replacement for North Eden House care home in Cupar from 36 beds to 24 with 12 supported flats.

But an intervention by Cupar councillors Margaret Kennedy and Tony Miklinski saw the item to allow for further consultation on the plans.

The scheme is part of an £18 million plan to replace council-run care homes, which also includes Methil and Anstruther.

Councillors went on to vote 17-4 in favour of the business case to replace Ladywalk House in Anstruther on a site at Mayview Court.

It will house 24 residential care home beds, 12 extra-care housing units and shared services, with two specific needs bungalows.

Work has already started on a new care village on the site of the former Kirkland High School in Methil, but overspends saw a scaledback proposal drawn up for Cupar with the Anstruther replacement expected to follow that.

Liberal Democrat councillor Ms Kennedy said no consultation over the revised Cupar plans had taken place.

“I was completely surprised when I saw the new proposals,” she said.

“I have personally campaigned for years to have this new facility provided in Cupar therefore was extremely disappointed that changes had been made without my full understanding.”

Mr Miklinski said he was pleased that the request for a delay had been granted after learning the Cupar plans had changed.

“As the local elected representatives of the Cupar community, we have a duty to ensure that the needs of our constituents are fully understood and the best possible service delivered,” he added.

North Eden House in Cupar is set to be replaced.