Labour councillors are demanding that Falkirk Council rethinks its plans to close
They say the council has not done enough to find alternatives to closure or ways of
The Labour motion will be put to the meeting of the full council on Wednesday, December 6th, and, if successful, will push the decision deadline back a year from the current date
The motion describes the closure of the Recreation Centre as an “unacceptable loss to the communities of Bo’ness and Blackness”.
And it adds: “Council agrees that a report will be brought back on the development of asset transfer, lease or alternative delivery model options for Bo’ness Recreation Centre and income generation and cost reduction options for the council or alternative owner of the building. This should additionally report the work of the Policy Development Panel on Leisure Services in supporting these options.
The move will cost the council just over £1 million over the course of the additional year.
Over 400 people attended a public meeting in Bo’ness on Tuesday, November 28th, showing the level of support within the community for keeping the sports centre open.
Bo’ness Labour Councillor David Aitchison said: “Bo’ness Recreation Centre has to be saved.
“It is a safeguard for both the physical and mental wellbeing of so many of our residents.
“Closure would inevitably lead to isolation for many elderly users who are unable to travel outwith the area and depend on this venue as a social outlet where they get to
“If we take this facility away, health services will be put under added pressure as residents will be unable to access local active health groups for rehabilitation and exercise.
“Having to travel further afield for leisure activities will put extra financial burdens on families in what is already a difficult economic time. And the poor transport infrastructure that the people of Bo’ness and Blackness have to put up with, will further limit access to leisure
He went on: ”Close this centre and the inevitable consequence will be a rise in antisocial behaviour as young people try to fill their time.
“Instead of closing the facility we need to find ways to increase footfall and maximise income by offering more activities and increase the classes we offer to the public.”