Care homes future secure say council

Sep 2 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE future of Limecroft and Whitdale care homes are secure after West Lothian Council ruled out their closure.

Whitdale Care Home in Whitburn and Limecroft Care Home in Dedridge were identified as potential casualties of the council’s Tough Choices consultation document which outlines recommendations for savings they could make as the local authority face up to a huge reduction in the money from the Scottish Government from 2011 to 2014.

The scheme would have seen the non-specialist homes closing in 2013/14, saving the council £680,000, with 64 elderly residents forced to look for new accommodation.

However, at a meeting of the council’s executive to discuss the contingency planning to meet future budget cuts on Tuesday the idea was kicked into touch.

The SNP Leader of West Lothian Council, Councillor Peter Johnston explained: “Having listened very carefully to the views expressed at the meeting of the Council’s Social Policy PDSP last week it is right for the council to now take the very first opportunity to remove the possibility of the closure of both Limecroft and Whitdale council care homes from the Tough Choice” agenda.

“I am delighted therefore that the Council Executive has backed a motion from myself which completely rules out the closure of both.

“I know that this decision will be very much welcomed across West Lothian and it will bring peace the minds of the elderly residents of both facilities and their relatives and friends.

“These two care homes now have a totally secure future.”

Labour leader John McGinty said he was glad the ruling administration had “finally seen sense” on the issue.

He said: “We welcome this u-turn by the SNP/Tory/Action to Save St John’s coalition and congratulate the local communities supporting the retention of Whitdale and Limecroft Care Homes for forcing this about turn.

“It does however beg the question about why they consulted on the possibility of closures when they now say they had no intention of closing these homes.

“Councillor Johnston and his administration should now publicly apologise for the months of worry and anguish that they have caused.

“There is also now a serious question mark over the integrity of the scrutiny process when the ruling administration cherry pick items out of it to try and save face whilst still not telling people where the cuts will actually fall.”

At their meeting on Tuesday the council executive also agreed to retain free musical tuition within West Lothian schools, to provide the same level of service at gala days without any additional charges and provide free festive lighting to communities.

They also voted to scrap a proposal to introduce a new charge of £25 per bulky uplift and will look at continuing free bus travel for primary pupils who currently receive it.

Councillor Johnston added: “We gave council officers a free rein to examine services.”