COUNCIL chiefs are discussing a new programme which would see around 150 new extra care homes created across the region.

The project is part of a £40million investment scheme to help support the elderly and vulnerable adults.

Councillor Frances Renton, SBC’s executive member for social work and housing, told us: “Increasing the number of older people who are assisted to live at home can be achieved by increasing the supply and availability of extra care housing as alternatives to current residential care home provision.

“To this end we are aiming to build upon the strong co-operation of our housing partners and support from Scottish Government to help fund, develop and deliver extra care housing schemes across the Scottish Borders.

“This is a significant proposal, involving the delivery of a large number of homes in key locations across the Scottish Borders. This would have a very positive impact, not only for those people needing this type of care but also, during the build phase in particular, for the local economy.”

Plans reveal Langhaugh in Galashiels, which is owned and would be developed by Eildon Housing Association, would be one of the first sites to be developed.

Councillor Renton added: “Research has identified the need for 230 extra care houses in the Scottish Borders by 2020, and while the proposed programme falls short of that total, there is potential for the numbers to increase once detailed site feasibility studies are carried out. 

“There is also the possibility of other funding becoming available in due course which could enable the delivery of more homes.”

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing Association, said: “We are looking forward to working with Scottish Borders Council to deliver another high-quality extra care housing development for the Borders in Galashiels, building on our experience at Dovecot Court in Peebles.

“Extra care housing is an excellent model of housing for older people and we support the council’s strategy in developing these schemes to address the demographic challenges that we face.

“Eildon is committed to increasing the provision of new build homes of all kinds across the Borders to meet housing need and support the local economy.”