Ayrshire leisure attractions could face closure

Feb 6 2009 by Stuart Wilson

TWO top leisure attractions are in the firing line as millions are cut from the council budget.

Dalmilling Golf Course and Prestwick swimming pool are believed to be on the shortlist of facilities being considered for closure by hard-up South Ayrshire Council.

Councillors will put the final touches to their budget for 2009/10 over the next couple of weeks.

But it is believed that up to £10 million in cuts may be made.

The move would spark further outrage, coming hot on the heels of numerous closures, including the Gaiety theatre and Girvan swimming pool.

A council insider admitted: “This is a PR disaster for us and things are being dealt with very poorly.

“Places are shutting and then people are being told afterwards – that’s just not right.

“There’s constant talk about establishing leisure trusts yet all that happens is we close leisure facilities.

“At the end of the day we’re dropping bombshells in amongst communities.

“Everything is still in the melting pot but at this stage it looks like the facilities at Dalmilling and Prestwick will shut.”