CAMPAIGNERS have reacted with sadness and disappointment after East Lothian Council accepted an offer for the former The Abbey care home, despite efforts to secure it for the community.

The care home in North Berwick closed earlier this year and was then listed on the market for £1.2 million.

Cash-strapped health chiefs had decided to close the care home due to a £10 million county-wide funding gap.

It was listed on the market just days before a community group's meeting was held amid a vision of turning the building into a community hub for local groups. 

READ MORE: Campaign launched to buy former The Abbey care home

North Berwick Community Development Company, the group behind the plans, was hoping to bring the building and gardens into community use, with ideas including allotments, a café and accommodation for visitors all suggested.

But the council has now confirmed that an offer to buy the property has been approved. 

Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council and co-chair of NBCDC, said: "I am very disappointed with the news that The Abbey has been sold, especially as we haven't officially been told by the council themselves.

"The council has told North Berwick In Bloom and Herbspace to vacate the premises of The Abbey and they will be going to the community centre for the time being.

"We currently don't know anything about the new owners or what their intentions are for the building; it leads to me to believe that The Abbey will be left empty for some time.

"Presumably, the council has jumped on the chance of cash rather than looking at how a community asset transfer could benefit the town." 

Kathy Duncan, director of Herbspace, said: "From Herbspace's point of view, it is extremely sad that we will have to leave as we have had a great eight  years at The Abbey and for many young people it will be a great loss until we are settled in a new location. 

"We always knew we had to leave and it is especially sad as it happened so quickly and we are disappointed that the vision of the community hub will not be going ahead. 

"This is a real loss for the community, as The Abbey has been in public hands since the 1960s.

"I do hope in the future the council collaborate better with the community." 

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, said: “The news that The Abbey care home is being sold will concern local residents, who had a vision for the building to become a hub for the community.

"When public sector bodies, including health boards, close buildings such as The Abbey care home, they should look beyond crude commercial considerations and assess how these buildings and assets can be repurposed for the good of the local community.”

Libby Morris, chair of North Berwick In Bloom, added: "The council have been very helpful in keeping us informed and in helping us to find new premises." 

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “A closing date for offers to purchase The Abbey was set for Wednesday, October 23, and three offers were received.

"Following analysis of the offers, the successful offer has been approved and we are working through the missive stage.

"As the details of the offer are commercially sensitive, no details can be shared at this time.

"Prior to the closing date, no formal community asset transfer had been received.”