New Anstruther care home plans revealed

SENIOR CARE: Council aims to replace Ladywalk House in Anstuther with new care home in Bankie Park

In considering a new home we are taking into account the need for continuity of care and the opportunity to return the existing site into parkland

A new care home serving the East Neuk could be built in Anstruther’s Bankie Park, according to plans unveiled by Fife Council and the region’s health and social care partnership.

The proposed new home will effectively replace Ladywalk House in Anstruther and sits alongside proposals to replace Northeden care home in Cupar and Methilhaven care home in Buckhaven.

The blueprint forms part of the second phase of the partnership’s multimillion-pound investment programme which has already seen new homes built at Ostlers House in Kirkcaldy, Napier House in Glenrothes and Lindsay House in Lumphinnans.

Plans are said to be at an early stage but the preferred option for Anstruther is to relocate the new home care in Bankie Park adjacent to the existing care home site in Ladywalk.

That means the play park and other facilities would be left undisturbed and the current site of Ladywalk House could be returned to park land.

Louise Bell, residential and day services manager with the Fife health and social care partnership, said the plans were being looked at as part of their commitment to high quality care for the region’s older people.

“Although we have identified a preferred site, plans are at a very early stage,” she noted.

“We have been proactive in contacting the Friends of Bankie Park, local councillors and community councillors as we start our approach to fully involve the community.

“As with our other developments, we will undertake a very proactive programme of engagement with service users, families, staff, the local community and their representative as well as other council services.

“We need to replace Ladywalk House due to its age and condition and, if we do nothing, the care home will need significant investment in the next few years.

“In considering a new home we are taking into account the need for continuity of care for residents and the opportunity to return the existing site back into parkland for the community.”

A consultation has been launched and members of the public are being encouraged to have their say before the deadline of Friday July 27.

Proposals can be viewed at Anstruther Town Hall and Library, the East Neuk Centre, Waid Community Campus, the Dreel Halls and Anstruther Post Office.

Councillor David Graham, Fife Council’s health and social care spokesman, hopes as many people as possible take the time to air their views.

“Before any decisions are made, ensuring that the Anstruther community itself is fully involved is key and I encourage people to get in touch so they can be part of the conversation.”