New care village for Cupar

The new care village could look like the one currently being built in Glenrothes

The announcement was made as part of the 10-year Capital Investment programme in last Thursday’s budget that £18.3 million has been set aside for new replacement care facilities for the elderly in Cupar, Anstruther and Methil.

Sites have yet to be identified for the complexes which, as well as providing accommodation for the elderly, will also include facilities such as extra care housing units and specific needs bungalows to support those who still wish to live independently, but need a bit of extra help.

They will also have a range of facilities including cinema and hairdressing rooms and a cafe area to offer a range of enhanced living.

Councillor Bryan Poole, an Independent representative for Cupar, welcomed the proposal, saying: “Northeden House in Cupar is one of life’s and north east Fife’s gems – a fantastic bunch of staff providing the very best of care to those who need it.

“I am sure Janice (the manager) and her team will welcome the opportunities a brand new building will bring.”

Councillor Andrew Rodger, the council’s leader of health and social integration, said he was “ecstatic” to hear that the highly regarded council-run homes in Cupar, Methil and Anstruther were to be replaced with care villages.

“This is a major investment. People are queuing up to get into our homes and this is a move forward,” he said.

Confirming he would be stepping down at May’s elections, Cllr Rodger added: “This is the icing on the cake for me.” He added that he believes the move will map out a blueprint for models of care for the next 40-50 years.

“This will set us up with homes in the public sector. Don’t get me wrong – the private sector has good homes, but we need choices, we need quality care and we need continuity in care.

“Our staff deserve this on behalf of the patients because they have fought over the years to keep these homes at a high level.”

Cllr Margaret Kennedy, Liberal Democrat representative on Fife Council echoed the welcome.

“Through negotiations, with the council’s administration ahead of the budget meeting, we were able to secure this inclusion in the Capital Plan,” she said.

“Personally I have always been passionately supportive of council care home provision so it is of great delight to me to see this secured in the Capital Plan.

“I hope to encourage some early discussions between officers and the local community around the logistics of realising this.”