Fife Council has said the building of a new care village at Ostler's Way, Kirkcaldy, continues to remain on schedule.

The local authority added that the development should meet its target complete date of September 2015.

There are plans that the 60-bed care home will be made wind and watertight by Christmas, while work on the interior layout and fittings will follow in the new year. Alongside the care home, a total of 26 affordable properties are being constructed on the site; these consist of a mix of two-bedroom Extra Care and Specific Needs bungalows and will provide additional support to tenants than traditional sheltered housing.

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Those living in the 'extra care' housing will have their own individual home, with their own front door. They will also be made fully accessible, while communal spaces and gardens at the care home are to be created with help from residents.

Councillor David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, commented: "Through the care village concept we are providing older people with high quality care and accommodation.

"While our main aim is to enable elderly people to remain at home and be independent for as long as possible, the time may come when a person needs long term care and support.

"Through the development of the care villages we are providing choices and investing in care for some of our most vulnerable citizens to meet their needs now and in the future."

Explaining the adjacent housing development, Councillor Ross added: "By providing 'extra care' housing rather than the traditional sheltered housing model we are responding to individual needs so that older people can have a range of housing options. It lets them live independently in a modern caring environment with extra support available when needed."

(JP/CD)