THE SOCIAL work office on Park Road in Rosyth closed its doors last month as part of Fife council’s plans to “modernise and transform the way it works.” According to the council, reducing the number of offices it owns and leases across Fife will allow it to “become more efficient whilst continuing to deliver good quality services in local communities.” The Rosyth office’s new base has become New City House on Edgar Street in Dunfermline.

Reacting to the closure, Rosyth Community Council chairman Stephen Lynas said, “Rosyth Community Council are disappointed to see the closure of the Rosyth social work office on Park Road which provided a valuable local service and the relocation of social work services to Dunfermline.

"The community council will be watching with interest Fife council’s plans for the substantial vacant building.” Rosyth SNP councillor, Douglas Chapman, said, “I have been working with Cllr Shirkie to see what other uses could be found for the social work offices on Park Road.

“For example, there is the 'hub’ model that is being tested in Leven and Kirkcaldy which offers a range of local voluntary support services.

"If the 'hub’ proved to be successful and funding could be found, then the same model could be used in Rosyth.

"The services available might be able to support families and children who live in Rosyth and surrounding areas.

“I’ve also talked to local businesses, some of whom are looking to expand or take a unit within the Park Road office block.

"Given the investment we’ve made in the park, the one thing we can’t allow to happen is that we have a building that is left to lie empty for an extended period and one way or another, we need to have the building put to productive use.” Meanwhile, self-serve phone points are available within Rosyth library and in the civic centre in Inverkeithing so people have the option to speak to an advisor rather than travel to Dunfermline.

The council say there will be little change for existing service users and that they can continue to contact their named worker directly using the contact details already provided to them.

Additionally, the council is writing to all existing clients to confirm this arrangement as part of a local information campaign.