Closure of Borders leisure centres could be extended, report reveals
The temporary closure of leisure centres in Eyemouth and Hawick could be extended.
However, concerns are being raised over the impact that could have on their local communities.
It follows the announcement last week that a number of Live Borders-run attractions are set to shut for essential electrical work.
Scottish Borders Council, which owns the buildings, is proposing to take advantage of the enforced closures to carry out a scoping exercise, to identify any additional works which could help secure their long-term future.
As previously reported, Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick is due to close for almost four weeks, from March the 4th to 28th; while the opening hours at the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, Kelso Swimming Pool and Tweedbank Sports Complex are also affected.
Concerns have been raised over the impact the Hawick closure could have on the climax to the indoor bowling season.
Live Borders revealed it was trying to relocate some fitness classes. All memberships will also be frozen - but its members will still be able to access its other venues during this time.
Meanwhile, the indoor swimming pool and gym next to the seafront in Eyemouth remains closed for repairs to its heating and ventilation system, which are expected to slash its energy bills by a fifth; having shut at short notice on November the 20th.
However, a report being presented to councillors next week reveals the work - which was due to be completed by February - has been delayed due to a number of "unforeseen issues".
It warns: "In addition to the impact on local residents, prolonged closure of Eyemouth Leisure Centre will have a detrimental impact on the local economy.
"Caravan park bookings include use of the Eyemouth swimming pool (as per the contract between Live Borders and Haven).
"Longridge Towers School also has a long-standing arrangement with Live Borders for exclusive use of the swimming pool in Eyemouth for half a day each Friday during term time."
The scoping exercise for Eyemouth alone - which would look at everything from "simple interventions through to full decarbonisation of the building" - is expected to cost up to £10,000.
The report goes on: "It is proposed that these temporary closures are utilised to allow some further scoping works to be undertaken. This adopts the same principles used following the Peebles Swimming Pool fire whereby additional fabric improvement works were delivered at the same time.
"Eyemouth Leisure Centre could reopen on completion of the current works without undertaking this exercise; however, failing to capitalise on this opportunity could mean that future minor works may require a further closure.
"An early assessment, followed by further fabric modifications at this time, will contribute to decarbonising the building and to reducing on-going revenue costs."
And, it adds: "Given the evolving nature of the inspection and scoping works, it is proposed that any discussions to extend closures to allow further works to be carried out are delegated to the respective Chief Executives of both Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders in consultation with the elected members on the SBC/Live Borders Executive Board."
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