'The bottom line is the council, financially, cannot afford to keep propping-up Live Borders - this is detrimental to the already struggling council services'

It's emerged staff at the trust responsible for managing many of our region's swimming pools, libraries and community centres weren't warned their jobs could be at risk ahead of the publication of a report looking at its future.

In the days before the Borders Sporting and Cultural Estate Review was published, council chiefs did announce they "anticipated that the changes to be brought forward will have a staffing impact at Live Borders".

But it's understood the details of what attractions had been identified wasn't shared with them in advance of the official papers appearing on the local authority's website on Sunday.

"I completely understand the shock and anger across the whole of the Scottish Borders," Councillor Caroline Cochrane (Selkirkshire, Independent) told Greatest Hits Radio.

"I have heard that this was the first time many of the employees who work in the organisation had heard of the proposals, and for that I'm deeply sorry; I feel their frustration and pain."

But she added: "We need to remember that this is a report and the views of the consultants only. This isn't a done deal. Discussions will need to take place and options fully appraised."

While the Executive member admits Live Borders' estate of more than 60 buildings - many of which require investment to remain operational - needs to be reduced to put it on a more sustainable financial footing, she says the social benefits of some of the "lifeline facilities" identified for closure far outweigh the financial savings that could be made.

Councillor Cochrane said: "The bottom line is the council, financially, cannot afford to keep propping-up Live Borders - this is detrimental to the already struggling council services.

"We will need to explore options and look at what can be changed. As a result, we might end up with better services.

"But, in the meantime, I encourage everyone to continue to support Live Borders through this difficult process - use our libaries, museums and swimming pools, even if you haven't been in a long time.

"These will be the hardest and biggest decisions we will make as councillors, we need your input and support to ensure we have a fit-for-purpose and financially viable service here in the Scottish Borders."

On Sunday, we were first to report that more than 50 jobs could be axed as part of a huge shake-up of cultural, sport and leisure services in the Scottish Borders in a bid to save up to £3 million a year.

It estimated tens of thousands could be saved by reducing staff cover at leisure centres alone - including at Eyemouth, where consultants claim as many as four duty managers can be on shift at one time. It's also being recommended removing the lifeguard during swimming lessons at Kelso.

It's hoped the move could help free up cash to invest in attractions like Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick, the sports complex in Tweedbank and the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, where it's envisaged the sports hall could be converted into a gym - turning a £91,000 a year deficit into a £214,000 surplus.

One of the region's most visited gyms - TriFitness - could also be moved from Galashiels (where it doesn't own its building) to Tweedbank as part of the plans which, it's claimed, would allow it to expand and generate extra revenue - although the report adds "consideration needs to be given to the tripartite arrangement with Heriot-Watt University and Borders College".

Councillor Leagh Douglas (Selkirkshire, Conservative) said: “Efficiency savings across the Live Borders estate are necessary due to ongoing financial pressures, but I am concerned about the scale of proposals in Selkirkshire."

Nevertheless, she added: "This review gives us options, not decisions; and I'm urging local people: 'Speak up, get involved, and lead in shaping the future of sport and cultural services'."

In her ward alone, Selkirk Leisure Centre and the neighbouring caravan park have been identified for closure; along with local attractions: Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom and Halliwell's House Museum; Argus Community Centre and Newtown Community Wing.

Other buildings identified for closure include Queen's Leisure Centre, Focus Centre, and Old Gala House in Galashiels; Borders Textile Towerhouse and Wilton Primary Swimming Pool in Hawick; St Ronan's Wells Visitor Centre in Innerleithen; and Drill Hall in Peebles.

Libraries in Coldstream, Eyemouth, Earlston and Duns could also be replaced with an expanded mobile service.

Stow Town Hall, Jedburgh Town Hall, Lauder Public Hall, Innerleithen Memorial Hall, and West Linton's Graham Institute could also shut their doors, unless a local group can present a viable case for taking them over.

If councillors reject the proposals contained within the report, consultants Integratis warn "there is a risk to a damaging blanket cut in services in order to operate within the resources available".

But, in a post being shared on social media tonight, former Borders Council leader David Parker (Leaderdale and Melrose, Independent) says: "It will be completely fine, Langlee will not close.

"The consultants are making recommendations, it’s up to SBC to determine what to do. It’s also the case that they are saying Live Borders should not run the Community Centres but that does not stop SBC taking them back in house or communities running them with SBC support."

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