Closures of Bucksburn Swimming Pool and six Aberdeen libraries 'appears to be unlawful'
There could yet be another twist in the ongoing libraries and swimming pool saga
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
Campaigners in Aberdeen have received legal advice which suggests that the closures of six libraries and Bucksburn Swimming Pool "appears to be unlawful".
Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries all closed by the end of March due to council budget cuts, saving £280,000.
Bucksburn Swimming Pool was due to close on Sunday, April 16th, though that has been delayed until the end of April.
Council 'failed to undertake proper equality impact assessments'
In the next twist to the tale, lawyers from the Govan Law Centre and Grampian Community Law Centre have suggested that there are grounds for a legal challenge on the closures.
A statement shared from both campaigns reads: "The legal advice from Solicitor Advocate, Mike Dailly, is that the decision by Aberdeen City Council on 1 March 2023 to close our libraries and swimming pool appears to be unlawful in relation to recent Scottish case law and susceptible to legal challenge by way of a petition for judicial review in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
"Our legal advice is that the council has failed to undertake proper equality impact assessments in relation to the impact closure will have on local people with protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act – including those with disabilities and young and older people. No consultation was undertaken with service users.
"Our legal advice is that the closure policy may also be unlawful indirect discrimination in relation to particular groups of people in our communities; contrary to the Fairer Scotland Duty and a breach of the legitimate expectation that local people had in being consulted before the decision to close was made.
"Work will now be undertaken to ensure that the legal rights of local people and communities across Aberdeen are protected in law. Litigation can be avoided if the council is prepared to reverse its decision to close our libraries and swimming pool."
Aberdeen City Council has been approached for a comment.