THE developing Business Case required by the Scottish Government before approval of funding for a new Lochgelly Health Centre, took a huge step forward on Friday.

At a meeting, called by Fife Health and Social Care Partnershi, groups representing Health Professionals, Fife Council Services, and Lochgelly councillors and community representatives, voted overwhelmingly to back a site off Francis Street as 'ideal' for a new facility.

The site used to be used for housing but has been a huge green open space for many years.

Lochgelly Community Council has been campaigning for a new health centre with the population of the town earmarked to rise by over 1000 people over the next few years.

The option scored well over the next best option of knocking down the Jenny Gray Old Folks Home, in Russell Street, and building a new Health Centre. Refurbishing other facilities also got short shrift at the meeting.

The costings were not factored in and that together with the results of public consultation, is yet to be analysed.

Speaking after the meeting, SNP Councillor Ian Chisholm, said: “ I fully supported and spoke up for the Francis street site and was very pleased that my fellow councillors agreed and we had cross party unanimity, important in making the case.

"I was really pleased that the site has the space for future expansion too and if policy tends towards bringing more specialists to local practices we will be ready to go".

He added: "Additionally, we may yet see the housing development of 1800 new homes called for in Strategic Planning and this could increase the practices' patients by up to five thousand.

"For me, a crucial plus for the Francis street site is that it further enhances the area around the Institute, Square and Business Centre into a real Town Centre.

"All of the councillors were unanimous in stressing to the NHS that we did want a really significant and, well designed building for the town and that no square box would be acceptable.

"I also made the point that car parking was a problem in the area and the site at Francis Street could be shared with a new car park.

"I have long felt that much of the traffic zooms through Lochgelly without stopping….hopefully a car park will be an incentive for folk to stop and shop."