A homeless hostel in Irvine, which shut during the pandemic, will stay closed permanently, councillors decided this week.

People who lived at the Victoria House Hostel were quickly found flats  after it closed in April in the interests of safety as COVID-19 spread.

Bosses have decided they should remain in flats instead of going back to the hostel saying it reduces social isolation.

North Ayrshire Council will end the contract with Cunninghame Housing Association, which runs the hostel.

Ruling Labour politicians made the decision at a cabinet meeting this week.

The move fits in with the council’s ongoing work to roll out the Scottish Government Rapid Rehousing Transition plan. The aim is to place homeless people into permanent, stable accommodation with the support they need.

The council is set to save £409,000 next year by closing Victoria House. And there will be recurring annual savings of £332,000.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Joe Cullinane said they support the rapid rehousing programme.

He said: “At the end of the day we are doing that because of the outcomes it delivers for individuals requiring temporary accommodation. It is the right thing to do. “

Councillors decided the council run hostel in Ardrossan will be refurbished at a cost of about £500,000.

It is the only homeless hostel remaining in the local authority area.

The council said it will work with Cunninghame Housing Association to help find other jobs for any staff who lose jobs due to the closure of Victoria House in Boyle Street.

The council paper presented to cabinet said: “The council has increased its supply of dispersed furnished flats to meet the demand created by the hostel closure.

"This accommodation model greatly improves outcomes for people who find themselves homeless and reduces their risk of becoming socially isolated.

"Further, it also enables households to reside within a community, helping to build their social networks and develop their independent living skills, in turn reducing the risk of repeat episodes of homelessness.”