No more delays, says Girvan

Dec 18 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CUT the delays and get on with it.

That’s the message from Girvan to South Ayrshire Council.

Townspeople are desperate to see their swimming pool re-opened.

But many believe the council is hindering rather than helping.

And a report in front of councillors this week postpones any decision until January 26.

The report says there are ‘significant concerns’ about the long-term viability of a rescue plan.

Volunteers, led by retired businessman Iain Brown, submitted the plan two months ago.

Mr Brown said this week: “It’s fully costed, and all the questions are answered.

“But I was surprised to find that only council officials had seen it.

“So I decided to email copies to the 30 elected councillors.”

Mr Brown insisted: “The time for prevarication is over.

“The questions the council is asking on viability, staffing, and health and safety have all been addressed and answered in detail.”

Mr Brown is confident Girvan can get another five, seven or even more years out of a revamped pool.

Community council chairman Alec Clark has joined Mr Brown’s committee.

He said: “I have no hesitation in backing this initiative.

“It’s clear that in the current financial climate we’re not going to get four or five million for a new pool.

“So a community partnership with the council is the only way forward.”

Mr Brown envisages Girvan’s pool being run along the lines of those at Cumnock and Kirkcudbright.

These are run privately, but with the assistance of the local authorities.

Girvan’s pool, built in 1972 by the former town council, was dramatically closed in January this year.

South Ayrshire Council cited health and safety risks with filters, as well as the building itself.

But the closure caused outrage, and Girvan people were at the forefront of the protest march through Ayr a month later.

The hard-up council later unsuccessfully tried to get £2.75 million regeneration cash for Girvan from the Scottish Government.

So what Mr Brown’s community partnership offer really is the only show in town as far as Girvan swimming pool is concerned.

It is understood that Councillor Ian Fitzsimmons, the Conservative councillor for the area, is also desperately trying to convince colleagues to back the rescue.