Lifeline for Cumbernauld’s elderly will open soon

The Antonine Day Centre in Darroch Way was supposed to open in June 2013 but the project dramatically stalled last March when council chiefs lost patience with the Helensburgh-based firm responsible for its construction.

The company had applied for an extension to buy extra time which it was legally entitled to do.

However, the council was not satisfied by their work rate .

And it then ordered them to quit the site.

The project was put out to tender again and we can reveal that the process is well on course.

Head of Housing Property, Des Murray confirmed: “I am delighted to say, since the new contractor took over the Antonine Day Care Centre construction project, work has progressed very well and we are now back on schedule to hand over the building in March.

“We would expect it to open to residents in April.

“The new Antonine building will provide a service for up to 25 older people a day.”

Local councillor Paddy Hogg was among those who welcomed this long-awaited development.

He said: “It’s great news the long standing issues have been resolved and the Antonine Day centre will be opening in spring to provide a very much needed facility to our elderly community.

“I hope as many people as possible gain benefit from this,’’ he added.