Petition launched calling on Scottish Government to reverse cuts to north-east swimming pools and leisure centres
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A petition has been launched calling on the Scottish Government to provide north-east councils with ring fenced funding in a bid to reverse cuts to swimming pools and leisure centres across the region.
MSP for Aberdeenshire West Alexander Burnett is urging residents to sign his petition over fears more swimming pools and leisure centres may have to close or drastically reduce their operating hours further if government funding is not released.
The MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to hand over the extra funds sent to them following Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s £63 million package to protect swimming pools and leisure centres from rising costs.
The Chancellor’s announcement, made in March, resulted in around £6 million extra for Scotland which has yet to be released.
It comes despite the closure of Bucksburn swimming pool and Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen while in Aberdeenshire, opening hours have been cut at swimming pools and leisure centres in areas including Turriff, Ellon, Westhill and Alford.
Mr Burnett’s petition, which asks people to sign to tell the Scottish Government to “properly fund our swimming pools and leisure centres”, states: “The SNP Government has inflicted savage cuts on Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils, resulting in public swimming pools and leisure centres across the north-east being forced to either close or drastically reduce their operating hours.
“This is despite there being a significant demand for the facilities and services offered at these swimming pools and leisure centres by local residents, groups and businesses.
“The funding cuts to swimming pools and leisure centres by the Scottish Government are short sighted due to the important role these facilities have in promoting healthy living and tackling obesity, as well as the wider economic and social benefit these centres provide to local communities.
“This petition calls on the Scottish Government to ring fence funding for swimming pools and leisure centres so that they remain open and as accessible as possible for the public to use.”
Visit www.alexanderburnett.com/campaigns/save-north-east-swimming-pools for Mr Burnett's petition.
