Larkhall Councillors Support Residents’ Plea for Enhanced Leisure Centre
Larkhall councillors have thrown their weight behind local residents campaigning for a more comprehensive sports facility to be included in the new £24 million leisure centre planned for the area. Richard Nelson from the Conservatives and Ross Clark from the SNP have both expressed concerns that the proposed replacement facility, scheduled to commence construction this summer, falls short of meeting the community’s needs. They argue that the current plans, which rely on using gaming space at the neighbouring Larkhall Academy, are inadequate.
An online petition calling for a reassessment of the plans has garnered 1200 signatures. Despite this, South Lanarkshire Council has defended the proposed centre’s features, citing a pool, gym, sauna, and community space, highlighting it as “the authority’s biggest project outside the secondary school estate.” However, the council stated that a like-for-like replacement games hall does not align with the available budget.
Councillor Nelson has been actively engaging with council officers and the administration to secure additional funding for the leisure centre. He emphasised the necessity of ensuring that the proposed facility truly caters to the needs of Larkhall residents. Meanwhile, Councillor Clark echoed the sentiment, underlining the community’s rightful demand for a top-quality leisure centre that meets their requirements.
Community engagement has been a focal point, with more than 50 residents attending a public meeting facilitated by Larkhall Community Council and Larkhall Plan Partnership. They are intensifying efforts to advocate for sports facilities to be incorporated within the new leisure centre itself, as opposed to relying on external resources like those at Larkhall Academy.
Council leader Joe Fagan emphasised the significance of the Larkhall Leisure Centre project, highlighting it as the council’s most substantial investment in a new facility in South Lanarkshire. He reiterated the council’s commitment to delivering a new leisure centre within the allocated budget while acknowledging the community’s desires for enhanced sports provisions.
In conclusion, the community’s push for a fully-equipped leisure centre is met with both challenges and support from local councillors and authorities. The ongoing dialogue and advocacy reflect a shared commitment to delivering a facility that truly serves the needs of Larkhall residents.