Anger at lack of new health centre in Winchburgh

Winchburgh Community Council and more than 650 locals are calling on the council to “reconsider their decision to scrap the Winchburgh Partnership Centre, a key council pledge when proposing the expansion of the village”.

However, the council insists that NHS Lothian is responsible for any centre.

Nicolas Knox, from Winchburgh Community Council, said:“It is unacceptable for West Lothian Council to take investment to the tune of millions, to agree on the expansion of Winchburgh village and make promises that would directly impact the wellbeing of the existing population and encourage new residents, and then fail to deliver.

“If the current health crisis has shown us anything, it is the need for good health and social care provision at the point of need.

“It is simply unacceptable to expect people to travel three miles to Kirkliston for basic healthcare which is already oversubscribed.”

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The masterplan for the expansion of the village was approved over 11 years ago. The site for a partnership centre was reserved 11 years ago when the masterplan was created to ensure that options were available to the council and partners, including NHS Lothian, for future service delivery in the expanded village.

“The existing and new facilities in the village will continue to allow the delivery of council services to residents in the expanded community. The council is not responsible for the provision of healthcare services, which is a matter for NHS Lothian.”

He added: “Winchburgh is receiving the largest single education expansion ever undertaken by the council, together with a range of other facilities to be provided by the developer.

“The investment is estimated at over £60 million and the new facilities including a swimming pool, all weather sports pitches and meeting space, will be available for community use out with school hours.

“A new community building likely to be used as a café which is to be community managed, will be located in the park and will operate in addition to the existing community centre which will be retained.

“The developer will also make a financial contribution towards library provision within the village.”