A Moray care home described as “never being fit for purpose” is to be axed to make way for a £2.5million replacement.
Maybank, on St Catherine’s Road in Forres, has had a troubled history since it was converted into a live-in care unit for people with severe learning disabilities in 2012.
Yesterday, councillors were presented with a report which outlined dissatisfaction among residents and increasing staff sickness rates over the years.
During a meeting of the full Moray Council, members unanimously agreed to disband services at Maybank in favour of creating a purpose-built replacement.
A report submitted to councillors documented 500 incidents of “challenging behaviour” since the local authority assumed control of the centre in April 2012.
Staff sickness hours have also risen “sixfold”.
Lorraine Paisey, principal accountant at Moray Council, said the layout of the building had “exacerbated” challenging behaviours.
The converted Victorian house is capable of housing seven occupants, but currently only four people stay there.
Council convener Allan Wright said: “This has been on the cards for over two years, and I struggle to understand why we had ever tried to accommodate people with such special needs in a place like that.
“It was never fit for purpose.”
Forres councillor George Alexander added: “Having visited Maybank myself, I would like to commend the staff for doing such an amazing job under very difficult conditions.”