NHS Fife are to take the replacement of Lochgelly Health Centre a stage further forward by submitting plans for a new facility, on the open area of ground in Francis Street, to the Scottish Government.

On Wednesday a report to the health board about the conditions of both Lochgelly and Kincardine Health Centres underlined the problems these were causing for staff in providing suitable healthcare for their communities.

The David Street Lochgelly Health Centre was described in a report to the health authority as 'not fit for purpose' and added: "The AEDET review exercise confirmed that the layout and fabric of the building place considerable limitations on effective and safe service delivery."

The report categorically backed a new build replacement in Francis Street, the site that was cleared of flatted accommodation some years ago and is now a large grassed area.

The substantial area of ground will provide an ideal site for the new health centre facility and two years ago it was suggested that the site could also be able to provide additional car parking space to take the pressure off the limited parking available in the centre of the town, which causes traffic problems on Main Street and Bank Street.