Kilsyth pool hours cuts fury

Jamie Hepburn, the SNP MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, has attacked North Lanarkshire Leisure Trust’s proposals to reduce opening hours at the Kilsyth pool from 90 hours per week to 63. The move would be part of a series of cutbacks involving North Lanarkshire leisure facilities as it seeks to save money.

Mr Hepburn said: “I will be very disappointed if North Lanarkshire Leisure seek to reduce the opening hours of Kilsyth Swimming Pool. A great number of my constituents already report difficulties accessing local swimming pools at present, so this situation can only worsen if the Leisure Trust take forward this proposal.

“I hope that they reconsider, and instead look to increase use of their range of facilities, which would of course bring in additional revenue for the Trust. Any reduction in the availability of the services that they presently offer, such as reduced opening hours at Kilsyth Pool should be avoided.”

“North Lanarkshire Leisure have a duty to the people of Kilsyth. How can you promote healthy lifestyles on one hand and at the same time put obstacles in the way of those looking to pursue them by cutting the already poor levels of access to swimming?”

“I would urge anyone who has a strong opinion on this matter to make a submission to it as soon as possible.”

The public consultation on these proposals will close on Friday, December 14. To have your say, visit www.nlleisure.co.uk/nl-menu/news/customer-savings-survey.