Save our pool! Jedburgh sends message to Scottish Borders Council ahead of report on future of region's leisure centres

Hundreds of people packed into the assembly hall at Jedburgh Grammar Campus last night (Monday) in a show of support for the town's swimming pool.

The public meeting was organised to discuss the future of the Laidlaw Memorial Pool and Fitness Centre, which was forced to close at the end of November last year amid soaring energy costs.

It had served the community for more than 100 years and helped launch the career of Borders Olympian, Lucy Hope.

Scottish Borders Council revealed it's awaiting the outcome of a region-wide review of leisure facilities before making a decision on its future.

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Among those showing their support was local MSP Rachael Hamilton. She said people have made it clear they want the pool reopened.

"They said we need a pool - we don't just want a pool, we need a pool. As a mother, I took my own toddler there to learn how to swim, it's a fantastic facility."

The MSP continued: "There were disabled people here tonight that use the pool, there are elderly people who keep fit there; the pool means to much to people.

"And, as long as Scottish Borders Council understands the strength of local feeling, they're going to have to pull out all the stops to ensure that they can support the pool.

"But, obviously, I'll be taking it to the Scottish Parliament as well, to see what more they can do."

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