Axe to fall on sports centre
Burnhill facility faces chop in council budget cuts
Burnhill Sports Centre is facing closure as South Lanarkshire Council attempt to balance the budget.
The axe is set to fall on the community facility after a review of leisure and culture services.
Councillors will meet today (Wednesday) for more discussions on the cuts package being proposed by officers to help the council save £36.8million in 2016/17.
In papers produced by officers, members will be told: “It is proposed that there will be closure to facilities
where there is low usage and alternative provision nearby.”
Burnhill is listed as one of the facilities under threat, along with Whitehill Library in Hamilton.
It is understood the building was initially earmarked for closure in 2013 but was given a reprieve.
Coupled with a higher than inflation increase in some charges and changes to concessions for under 16 clubs, pre-fives and over 60’s, the move is set to save the council £285,000.
A review of resources will also see school meal prices increase from £1.50 to £1.60, saving £22,000.
The Burnhill facility is used by the Burnhill Action Group, who are supported by Healthy ‘n’ Happy.
But the community development trust said this week it would be inappropriate for them to comment at this stage.
Local councillor Denis McKenna said the building was used by a few other groups, but it wasn’t used as a sports centre much.
He added: “When I became a councillor in 1999, the first thing I was asked was when the sports centre was closing.
“The saddest thing is, the centre was rarely used by people from Burnhill, more by people from outwith it.”
Councillors are also set to discuss a public consultation on the package at today’s meeting.
An information leaflet detailing the proposed savings will be sent to all households in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, at the cost of £16,000. The consultation is expected to last until the end of January.
A members seminar will take place on December 9 providing further details on cross resource reviews.
The council does not yet know its full grant settlement for next year, but they are expected to receive the details on December 16.
Around 411 jobs are set to be shed with classroom assistants, community wardens, grounds maintenance staff and day care workers under threat.
Education is set to be worst hit, with 190 job losses and cuts of nearly £7m.