Two rival Conservative and SNP politicians have united to further criticise plans for a new leisure centre in Larkhall, saying South Lanarkshire Council are not doing enough to meet the needs of the community.
The new facility will include a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, which will have a moveable floor to adjust the depth of the water for swimming lessons and there will also be a spectators’ area, steam room and sauna.
But there has been some controversy over the new facility, with members of the pickleball club claiming they will not have the space to participate in their sport, with suggestions they may be forced to travel around the region to enjoy it. They have been told there will not be a games hall where they can play in the planned replacement centre.
Conservative councillor Richard Nelson said: “The people of Larkhall are once again facing disappointment as plans for the new Larkhall Leisure Centre fall short of meeting the community's needs and expectations.
"Despite the closure of various community halls, care homes, and the current dilapidated state of the old leisure centre, residents are being presented with a facility that does not adequately serve the needs of the community.
"While the proposed centre includes a swimming pool, gym, and multi-purpose space, the sports hall configuration remains insufficient. The council's suggestion to rely on Larkhall Academy for additional sports facilities is simply not viable during school holidays, exam periods, or when pupils require the facilities for their education.
"The recent survey showing 87 per cent support among 703 respondents for the centre must be interpreted with caution. Asking residents a simple: 'Do you want a new leisure centre: Yes/No' does not address the critical question of whether the proposed design and facilities meet the long-term needs of the Larkhall community.
“The council's statement about 'next steps' including a meeting with key stakeholders on January 14 gives little reassurance that genuine consultation will take place. Instead, it appears the council is prepared to push ahead with delivery without fully addressing community concerns.
“The people of Larkhall deserve a facility that is fit for purpose - not just now, but for decades to come.
"True consultation must involve listening to residents' voices and acting on their concerns, not merely informing them of pre-determined plans. The council must prioritise building a centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Larkhall community, ensuring it serves as a vital hub for health, fitness, and community engagement for generations to come.”
The SNP's Ross Clark added: “It's welcome that plans are progressing - the people of Larkhall deserve a new leisure centre - it was what was promised to us but it must meet the needs of the whole community and what I've been hearing so far is that these plans don’t.
“The message has been clear - people want a larger and full-sized games hall and I hope to see meaningful engagement going forward with the community. I will continue raising the concerns of the Larkhall community with the council alongside other community representatives.
Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “The current Larkhall Leisure Centre has held a special place in the heart of the Larkhall community for decades.
“The new facility will be a brand-new state-of the-art leisure centre which the community can be proud of, and which is fit for generations to come.
“With a budget of £23.9 million, the new Larkhall Leisure Centre will be the most expensive facility, outwith the secondary schools’ programme, the council has built.”
Proposals are also being progressed for Larkhall Academy to become a ‘dual use facility’ which will improve access and bookings and create a campus of community and sports accommodation.
The school has a four court games hall and two gyms, which can accommodate several sports including badminton, indoor football, basketball and more.
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