West Lothian’s politicians say they will fight “tooth and nail” against the proposed closures of Howden Park Centre and three swimming pools.
Hannah Bardell MP said the plans are “devastating” to the people who work there and the entire community.
She said the suggestion of closing Howden Park Centre, Xcite Livingston (Bubbles) and Xcite Broxburn - all in her constituency - was simply unbelievable.
Ms Bardell continued: “These venues and their staff are vital for the well-being of our community. I have witnessed first-hand, the dedication and passion shown by staff who work at all the affected venues.
“Howden Park Centre is also especially important for those who are living on their own such as elderly residents. Losing this facility would have a huge impact on the well-being of the community.
“As your local MP I will fight tooth and nail to save these sits and look at all options available. I have today met with staff at Howden Park, and they are understandably in deep shock. I will be meeting with all staff across sites in my constituency asap and seeking meetings and answers from West Lothian Council and West Lothian Leisure.”
“It is time for our communities to stand up and speak out against these cuts”.
Xcite Armadale and Broxburn Swimming Pool are both in MSP Fiona Hyslop’s constituency.
She shared Hannah Bardell’s sentiments and said: “I share the concerns of many of my Constituents about the potential closure of important leisure facilities across West Lothian, which includes two within my own Constituency - Xcite Armadale and Broxburn Swimming Pool.
“Although West Lothian has better swimming pool provision than elsewhere in Scotland the lack of buses mean that it is unreasonable to expect people to travel distances to swim – for example it is counter productive to active health and well-being for older people in Broxburn who don’t have cars to be expected to travel to Winchburgh for a swim.
“I understand that West Lothian Leisure are facing a significant budget short fall as a consequence of West Lothian Council’s budget decisions which included a requirement for West Lothian Leisure to become self-funded over the next five years.
“Any decision to close facilities requires the approval of West Lothian Council and I would encourage all Constituents to contact their local Councillors to seek their support in ensuring that these important community leisure facilities are not lost.
“I will be seeking reassurance that affected staff are being full supported at this time.”
MSP Angela Constance added: “This is a proposal that has to be rejected.
“[Howden Park] is a gorgeous theatre refurbished in the noughties with significant funding from what was then Scottish Arts Council and has a resident Youth Theatre.”
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