Care homes earmarked for closure are spared the axe

TWO care homes in West Lothian have been saved from closure. West Lothian Council has now ruled out closing Whitdale Care Home in Whitburn and Limecroft Care Home in Dedridge, which had both been earmarked in a council cost-cutting consultation document as under threat of closure to save money.

Both would have closed in 2013/14, saving the council 680,000 and leaving 64 residents looking for a new home.

But the idea has been ruled out following a meeting of the council's ruling executive, which backed a motion put forward by SNP council leader Peter Johnston.

Labour councillors described the move as a "U-turn" and said the administration had "finally seen sense" on the issue.

Labour leader John McGinty called for an apology for the worry caused to residents.

It was also agreed that free musical tuition within West Lothian schools should be retained.