Labour councillors won a stay of execution for closure-threatened Bo’ness Recreation Centre.
The next year will be spent finding new ways to increase income at the popular venue and to save on outgoings.
Bo’ness Councillor David Aitchison, who moved the successful motion, said later: “I am pleased for local residents that this facility will be open for at least one extra year. The hard work begins now on securing the longer term future of Bo’ness Recreation Centre.”
Labour councillors joined campaigners opposed to the centre’s closure as councillors arrived for the meeting.
Before the Labour motion was moved, councillors heard from campaigner Dorothy Ostochinni, one of he organisers of a public meeting, attended by over 400, held in Bo’ness days earlier opposing Falkirk Council’s plans.
She pointed out flaws in the council’s proposals, particularly suggestions that next-door Bo’ness Academy could provide alternatives to the swimming pool, sports halls and other facilities.
At the moment Academy pupils have to use the Recreation Centre because of lack of room at the school.
The motion, moved by Councillor Aitchison read:
“Council notes the decision in March of this year to agree to proceed with the Strategic Property Review and the closure of several buildings and facilities subject to there being no CAT transfer, alternative delivery model or improved financial performance. Council further notes that Bo’ness Recreation Centre is included in Phase 2 of buildings under the Strategic Property Review and in the absence of any transfer, lease or alternative delivery model or improved financial performance properties in this category will close 1st April 2025 and be subject to
surplus property procedures. Council believes that the closure of the Bo’ness Recreation Centre would represent an unacceptable loss of for the communities of Bo’ness and Blackness and agree to move this property to Phase 3 as defined in the March 23rd Strategic
Property Review Report. 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 prior to the
1st of April 2025. Council agrees that no work will be undertaken to progress to closure without further approval of council.
Council notes that moving the property from phase 2 to phase 3 will have a non-recurring cost of £1,012,000.
Councillor Aitchison pointed out that while these costs seemed large, £800,000 was down to staff costs which, with staff being redeployed in the first instance, would not be saved. He said he believed officials could easily find £200,000 of savings to put the centre’s situation in a much better light.
He pointed out the many health and social benefits enjoyed by the people of Bo’ness and Blackness through the centre, many of these users being older people who were less likely to be able to be able to use distant alternatives or evening sessions.
Labour accepted a Conservative amendment to their motion calling for detailed reports and with the support of the independent group of councillors saw their motion carried.