Pool closure is unacceptable

Jan 30 2009

THE PURPOSE of this letter is to make a formal complaint regarding the sudden and secretive closure of Girvan Swimming pool by South Ayrshire Council on Wednesday, January 14, which took place without any consultation whatsoever with the residents of the town.

Members’ annual fees were accepted the previous evening whilst no indication was given that the pool would close the following day! This I find to be particularly underhand and quite despicable.

My husband and I, my children, grandchildren and many friends who live in and around the area used this facility on a regular basis.

With the government’s emphasis on health and exercise being promoted as an answer to obesity and illness it is hard to understand the reasoning for this action.

I would like to hear an explanation as to why the council took this decision, especially as the swimming pool was so important and essential to the community and to regular holiday makers. It was the only leisure facility left.

The Beach Pavilion next door to the swimming pool was closed many years ago and left to rot. This venue was also widely used and sadly missed and has left Girvan without a suitable building for venues, social events, meetings, flower shows, plays, etc.

If indeed the problem is funding, as I am led to believe, could you please explain where the funding came from for what I have just read about on-line. www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/leisure/genesis.htm

The council is boasting about South Ayrshire Leisure Genesis Gymnasia facilities (already in Ayr Citadel swimming pool) having being extended to Troon and Prestwick swimming pools. These fully air-conditioned fitness rooms contain 14 stations of mixed aerobic and resistance machines for all abilities. Membership of which allows you to swim as well!!!

If you read on about the many other leisure programmes offered (these are bulleted) you will discover that Girvan is noticeable by its complete absence in any activities.

I hope the decision to close Girvan swimming pool can be reconsidered and reversed as soon as possible.

I believe the people of Girvan have been given a raw deal and that as ratepayers in South Ayrshire they deserve fairer treatment and should have the same equal opportunities for health and leisure facilities as the other towns in this area, not to be forgotten and neglected.

This present situation is quite simply unacceptable to the residents of Girvan and surrounding areas and is particularly harmful to the young people, who are, after all our future.

I was also dismayed at the news this morning stating that £150,000,000.00 had been diverted to London from the Scottish budget to help finance the 2012 Olympics.

What are the residents of Girvan paying taxes and rates for? Certainly not local amenities.

The good people of Girvan would believe that we live in a true democracy if the decision to close the swimming pool could be reversed.

May Macpherson

Girvan.