LEAKED DRAFT REPORT REVEALS UP TO 50 LEISURE AND CULTURE VENUES COULD CLOSE

UP to 50 South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) venues could close following a review of the leisure trust.

A leaked draft report has revealed the facilities that could face the axe if the cross-party working group on leisure and culture agrees to take them forward.

South Lanarkshire Council officials have identified 29 “red” venues which they have suggested could be closed or transferred to the community to run.

These include libraries in Bothwell, Burnbank, Halfway, Hillhouse and Lesmahagow and golf courses at Biggar, Langlands and Strathclyde Park amongst many others.

Michael McGlynn, executive director for community and enterprise resources, said: “It is untrue to suggest that the venues in the list have been recommended for closure or transfer.

“The cross-party working group was set up to look at how future provision of leisure and culture services in South Lanarkshire might best meet the needs of local communities.

“As part of this, the focus has been on what leisure and cultural outcomes the council request of SLLC.

“This has also been the subject of extensive consultation with the public and user groups.

“The use of all local facilities, how much subsidy is required per user and the availability of alternative provision for local residents to use have all been considered to assist this work.

“It would be premature to make any recommendations on the use of any facility before the group completes its work.”