Campaigners win fight to prevent former Forfar leisure centre from demolition
Angus Council has decided not to appeal a civil court decision to preserve the empty building
Last updated 11th Sep 2020
Campaigners in Forfar have won their fight to stop the former Lochside leisure centre from being demolished.
Angus Council has decided against appealing a civil court decision.
Leader of Angus Council, Cllr David Fairweather said, “If we were to appeal this, given the council’s adherence to the principle of obtaining Best Value for the public purse, the financial risk of losing would be too great.
"To be clear, the council did not bring any legal proceedings in this matter, but, rather, has only sought to defend itself from court actions brought against it by others.
“At this same meeting, we heard of the huge effort, dedication and time that officers have put into dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the costs we now face to pay for it.
"This case is an unwelcome distraction from keeping people safe, supporting children to stay in full-time school and helping to support those who are struggling with the financial and health impacts of the pandemic. Now we have taken this decision, we can focus on these core purposes.”
Chief Executive Officer, Margo Williamson said, “We fully support the decision of council today which took into account the implications for all Angus common good properties including Lochside Leisure Centre.”
“We have started to investigate acceptable alternative means to manage the impact of the judgement in accounting and financial terms for the Council. A future report will outline this process and the best way to engage the public on the future of the former Lochside Leisure Centre.”
Councillor Braden Davy said: "If Forfar councillors and residents were listened to the first time around, we wouldn't be in this position. Instead we got this rushed through on an emergency item and ended up in court.
"We should have consulted, should never have decided to spend £500,000 to knock down a building which can be put to use.
"I'd like to thank so many for fighting for so long to keep this facility for public use!"
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