South Lanarkshire Conservative Councillor Walks Out of Meeting Over Leisure Centre Plans
South Lanarkshire Tory councillor, Richard Nelson, made a dramatic exit during a recent engagement meeting concerning the proposed new Larkhall Leisure Centre. The councillor expressed his disillusionment with the plans put forward by South Lanarkshire Council, believing that the council will proceed with their agenda despite public sentiment. The new leisure centre is set to feature a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with a versatile floor to accommodate swimming lessons and additional amenities like a spectators’ area, steam room, and sauna.
However, controversy surrounds the proposal, particularly with the local pickleball club members voicing concerns about inadequate space for their activities. They fear they may need to travel outside the area to continue playing since the new centre will not include a games hall. Cllr Nelson stated, “The plans being presented are not reflective of what the community truly needs or deserves,” highlighting a lack of genuine engagement with residents as a deciding factor in his departure from the meeting.
The councillor’s main objection was the proposal to use Larkhall Academy as a substitute for a games hall, limiting its availability during school hours and requiring a legal agreement through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Cllr Nelson strongly believes that such an arrangement detracts from the community’s essential access to dedicated sports facilities, especially during periods when the school’s amenities are unavailable. Despite a council survey indicating 87% support for the new leisure centre from 703 respondents, Cllr Nelson argues that the survey’s simplistic nature did not address the adequacy of the proposed amenities.
In response, David Booth, Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, expressed satisfaction with the progress on the new leisure centre’s development during a recent meeting with Larkhall community representatives. He highlighted ongoing efforts to deliver a top-tier facility within the allocated £23.9 million budget. Despite Cllr Nelson’s early departure, discussions with other local councillors and community representatives continued, with plans for further engagement meetings in the pipeline.
In summary, Cllr Nelson’s bold stand against the proposed leisure centre plans reflects the community’s concerns about inadequate facilities and lack of meaningful engagement. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of ensuring that public infrastructure projects accurately reflect the needs and aspirations of local residents.