Care home closure plans shelved

The council is seeking a full review of the home's future

An independent review has been agreed to decide the future of a council care home for adults with learning disabilities in Castle Douglas.

The decision to overturn previous plans to close Dunmuir Park has been welcomed by representatives of a long-running campaign to save the site.

The move came after a summit meeting in the town on Monday night.

The council said it was keen to provide the best care in the most appropriate setting for the home's residents.

The authority and NHS Dumfries and Galloway, along with the Friends of Dunmuir Park, will commission the independent review.

Agreement to end the highly damaging uncertainty by rescinding the closure decision is welcomed Dunmuir Park Protest Group

Council convener Tommy Sloan said he hoped it would establish a balanced model of care for the area.

"We all feel, and have always felt, that the way forward must reflect the best and most appropriate complete model of care, in the most appropriate setting, for the residents of Dunmuir Park," he said.

The matter will now go to a future adult services sub committee.

Members will be asked to rescind all previous decisions taken on Dunmuir Park and take forward the review process.

The decision has been welcomed by the Dunmuir Park Protest Group.

Independent expert

"Agreement to end the highly damaging uncertainty by rescinding the closure decision is welcomed," said a statement from the group.

It also welcomed the decision to allow an independent expert to decide the home's future "without any pressure".

"This will result in an agreed report that elected members will be able to consider in the future," it added.

The review will be jointly funded by the council with NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

I am glad that some harmony has been restored and that everyone can hopefully go forward concentrating on what is really important, the services which will be available to those currently using Dunmuir Park Alasdair Morgan MSP

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson was pleased that agreement seemed to have been reached.

He said he hoped there could now be "positive and constructive" debate on the future of the home.

"This is a truly momentous step forward," he said.

South of Scotland SNP MSP Alasdair Morgan was also glad to see an agreement reached.

"This particular situation has, for reasons too numerous to mention, descended into a great deal of acrimony," he said.

"I am glad that some harmony has been restored and that everyone can hopefully go forward concentrating on what is really important, the services which will be available to those currently using Dunmuir Park."

"It's key that an appropriate balance is found between independent living and continued support for Dunmuir Park residents," agreed Dumfries and Galloway Labour MP Russell Brown.

"I'm hopeful that the review will highlight a universally acceptable option."