Members of the public say they are furious that three West Lothian swimming pools could be shut in a bid to save money, saying the moves are detrimental to people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Xcite Leisure centres in Broxburn and Armadale are under threat, along with the popular Xcite Livingston pool - also known as Bubbles.
A raft of petitions and Facebook pages have been launched in a bid to save the three venues.
Owners West Lothian Leisure said the proposal were made in the face of post-pandemic cost pressures, the rising cost of running facilities and the cost of future maintenance or refurbishment.
Jenny Miller is fighting to save Xcite Livingston with her petition.
She said: “The closure of this facility won’t only impact the staff and their families, but the mental well being of thousands of people.
“We fought tooth and nail to come back after the pandemic, and by golly I’d say we won - Xcite Livingston numbers are at a record high just now.
“We are one of the few leisure pools left in Scotland where people travel far and wide on a weekly basis to give their kids an exceptionally memorable experience.
Our water temperature appeals to mothers and young babies - something irreplaceable I say.
“We have customers from all backgrounds and walks of life, of whom rely on Xcite Livingston on a daily basis.
“For many of our customers Xcite Livingston is all they have. What will all the pensioners do who need us as a get up and go each day, who come in not only to exercise but to get out to meet people , get a chin wag, break up their day.
“Not to mention all the hard work that’s recently gone into helping improve out New Gen membership - the work involved here is phenomenal, and can only continue to keep the youth of today off the streets.
“Words cannot describe how the closure of Livingston Xcite will impact on our staff, our community and many, many more.”
Sarah Jane Malcolm has similarly launched a petition in support of Xcite Armadale, saying the community is growing thanks to new build houses and needs the facilities.
She said: “Armadale is an ever expanding community with limited resources. The swimming pool is one of the best in West Lothian, and well utilised by young and old. It is also used for local swimming lessons as well as the small gym.
“As communities still recover from the impact of covid and the lack of accessing local amenities it is without a doubt that the pool offers the community socialisation, positive physical and mental well being. Other services are stretched beyond capacity with huge waiting lists and it is places like Xcite Armadale that offer much need wellness for individuals.
“We need this for the people of today but we need to protect this for our kids and generations to come.”
To sign the petitions search for Xcite Livingston and Xcite Armadale on Change.org
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