A local Councillor has one again urged Scottish Health Secretary, Michael Matheson MSP, to meet with the local community in Kincardine to explain his government’s decision to refuse funding for a new Health Centre, initially promised in 2016.
Cllr. Graeme Downie, Labour Councillor for West Fife and Coastal Villages, has written to Mr. Matheson asking him to meet with the community in Kincardine to explain the Scottish Government decision to refuse previously promised funding. That funding is now unlikely to appear until at least the end of the decade, or even later.
More than 300 people in Kincardine have now signed a petition online or in person urging the Health Secretary to reverse this decision and provide funding for the new health centre immediately.
It comes as press reports indicate Mr. Matheson will visit Lochgelly Health Centre, who has also been refused funding, after pressure from Fife Labour (https://www.centralfifetimes.com/news/23506789.government-minister-visit-dilapidated-health-centre/)
Commenting, Cllr. Downie said:
“I am delighted that pressure from Fife Labour colleagues means Mr. Matheson will visit Lochgelly to explain why his government has broken its promises on funding, yet he refuses to explain himself to people in Kincardine.”
“Mr. Matheson’s Ministerial Car will have to drive through Kincardine from his Falkirk constituency to get to Lochgelly. Why doesn’t he just stop on the way and explain why his government has broken its promise to people in Kincardine and what he is going to do to make sure they are still receiving proper medical services?”
Text of letter to Michael Matheson MSP
“Dear Mr. Matheson
I am writing, as I did to your predecessor, to ask you to meet with the local community in Kincardine to explain why promised funding for a new health centre in the village might not be provided until the end of the decade or even later.
I note your reply to the Leader of Fife Council, Cllr. David Ross (REF 202300351344), contained some excuses but I believe the people of Kincardine deserve an explanation in person and the opportunity to ask you some questions and, hopefully, receive some reassuring answers.
More than 300 people in Kincardine have signed a petition urging you to reverse your decision and provide funding immediately.
I note press reports that you intend to visit Lochgelly Health Centre which has also been denied funding in a similar manner. I hope during that visit you will meet with local Councillors and community groups to hear more about their concerns as well.
The people of Kincardine often tell me they feel forgotten by the Scottish Government and, given the proximity of your own constituency to the village, I hope you can find time to visit soon and explain your decisions to local people.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Graeme Downie”
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