A new children and young people's home has been proposed for Kirkcaldy, Fife.

A public consultation on the plans will now get underway to allow the local community to view and comment on the designs.

The drop-in meetings will be held on:

• Monday 22 September from 2pm to 4pm at Kennedy Hall

• Tuesday 23 September from 6pm to 8pm at Kennedy Hall

• Thursday 25 September from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Abbotshall Church Hall.

Following these events, any feedback received will be submitted to the Education, Social and Communities Scrutiny Committee who will discuss them later this month. A full report on the proposal and the public consultation will then go before members of the committee in October, before being sent to the Executive Committee in November.

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Dougie Dunlop, Head of Children's Services, explained: "It is important that the local community understand what a residential home like this actually is, so that we can dispel some myths and perhaps reassure people who are apprehensive.

"The drop-in information sessions will give residents a chance to ask questions on a one-to-one basis about what we hope to create at Raith Gates. They'll then have the opportunity to make their voices heard at a public meeting."

He continued: "Replacing the Glenrothes house is an important part of our programme to provide high-quality care and a supportive home environment for our young people.

"These young people are unable to stay with their own families through no fault of their own. Sometimes a place in residential care is the best option for a child or young person in order to meet their needs and give them the best chance of achieving their potential.

"I'd like to encourage members of the public to come along to these sessions and discuss what we hope to give these children."

(JP/MH)