Castle Douglas Swimming Pool is in line for an upgrade.
There had been concerns that the facility – which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year – may have closed due to the need for a £500,000 upgrade and a delay in it reopening after the first coronavirus lockdown.
But Castle Douglas and Crocketford councillors John Young, Iain Howie and Pauline Drysdale have now been told “a refurbishment project” is in the works.
Councillor Young said: “It’s excellent news and it’s great to have that commitment they’re willing to upgrade it.
“The three of us have created merry hell. We brought up the fact perhaps one of the reason they weren’t keeping staff was because of their poor facilities.
“The staff at the pool work so hard but they don’t have a staff base. If they want a cup of tea they have to get water from the toilet and bring it through to a plug point. They don’t have lockers, they have to come to work in their clothes.
“There is a sauna that’s not been used for a long time so it badly needs an upgrade and a refurbishment.
“I hope it’s a refurbishment and not just a slight improvement. It’s good for the staff to have their efforts recognised.”
Councillors Young and Howie expressed concern about the pool’s future in August 2020 when a council report revealed the pool – still closed after lockdown – needed a £500,000 upgrade.
However, a recent email from council officers to all three current councillors stated: “The property, estates and programmes manager has advised that he will seek to include a refurbishment project in an updated three-year capital plan which he will take to economy and resources committee next year.”
A council spokesman confirmed: “A report on an updated three-year capital plan for the council will be taken to economy and resources committee next year for members to consider. Any spend included within this plan is subject to member approval.”
It is currently closed due to a lack of money.
