SCOTTISH Government Health Minister Jean Freeman has been invited to see for herself the inadequacies of Lochgelly Health Centre.

The invitation has been extended by the convener of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Linda Erskine, who has become increasingly frustrated by the delays in replacing the David Street facility.

Councillor Erskine said this week: "The people of Lochgelly have waited far too many years for a new health centre and no progress has been made since plans were submitted to the Scottish Government nearly three years ago.

"Local councillors, health professionals, community councillors, council officers and health board staff had meetings four years ago to progress this matter, with no success.

"An agreed development plan was submitted for consideration, including a preferred option in terms of the new build. In 2017 we were informed that, yet again, the Scottish Government wanted more information, and since then the plan has been at a standstill.

"Neither health board nor Government have contacted us to give those covered by the health centre at David Street any hope that we are any nearer to being considered for a desperately needed modern health hub".

Meanwhile in her letter to Jean Freeman Ms Erskine has stressed that the local population continues to grow with new houses going up in Lochgelly and Benarty.

She added: "Our doctors are leaving or retiring and we have great difficulty in recruiting new GP’s.

"I’m sure that people are fed up having to queue outside in all weathers to get an appointment. Despite all these difficulties facing staff, they continue to provide a first class service for the community.

"In sheer frustration I have written to the Health Minister seeking her support and inviting her to see for herself the second class health centre that constituents and staff have to use in Lochgelly. I have had an acknowledgement but may have to wait up to another 20 days for a formal response to my concerns.

"I’m hoping that local constituents and other councillors will join me in writing to the Health Minister to push for a state of the art health centre now, and not in years to come".