South Lanarkshire councillors have called for public involvement over the name of a new Blantyre care facility. 

At the social work resources committee meeting earlier this month, an update of the progress made on the new care facility in the town was presented to elected members as well as a name the council had come up for it - Blantyre LIFE. 

The progress on the facility was welcomed but the name was criticised by some councillors. 

Council officers explained that Blantyre LIFE stands for Living Innovative Fully Everyday, and the name was tested with immediate neighbours who were happy with the proposals. 

Councillor Alex Allison (Clydesdale East) said: “As someone who’s always supported this facility and the modernisation of care facilities, it’s good to see it progressing so well and I look forward to it contributing to our care package.

“I’m very surprised with the name, it sounds very uninspiring - more like a sports centre - should we not maybe look at what the community has to say about this?”

Councillor Allison proposed to move a motion to include local councillors, organisations and the community to come up with a name that reflects the facility. 

His motion was seconded by councillor Richard Nelson (Larkhall), who said: “The name isn’t giving the facility any justice, we need to consider it and move forward together, the proposed name is not appropriate.”

The committee ultimately decided to launch a consultation to allow members of the community to have a say in the new name. 

The facility will be handed over to the council at the end of the month, it incorporates 20 homes which have been occupied or occupants have been identified. 

The facility has been welcomed by elected members. 

Councillor Elise Frame (Avondale and Stonehouse) said: “I was lucky enough to be invited along to see the Blantyre care development, I’ll say I was privileged to be invited along because it is a fantastic development.”

Councillor Mary Donnelly (Hamilton West and Earnock) said: “I’d like to congratulate this initiative. I was delighted when I saw the innovative equipment. It takes account of the dignity of the service user and dignity of the staff.”

Councillor John Bradley (Cambuslang West) added: “I’m really glad to see this project reach fruition. I would like to congratulate both the social work and housing teams involved despite all the hiccups they’ve had to go through.”