Borders council to consult on closing libraries and pools

A council has promised “robust” consultation over recommendations that it should close a string of sites – including swimming pools and libraries.

It comes after a report by Integratis Consulting looking at the future of the charitable trust which runs facilities in the Borders on the local authority’s behalf.

It suggested more than 50 full-time posts would have to go and numerous leisure, cultural and community sites would need to shut to ensure the sustainability of Live Borders.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) agreed to carry out widespread consultation before any final decisions were made.

A council report highlighted that the current Live Borders delivery model was “unsustainable”.

It said £2.5m of additional local authority funding had been needed last year – on top of a £4.8m management fee – to keep services operating.

A meeting of the full council was told that meant that continuing with the same services and facilities was “not viable”.

Councillors agreed they would now look at ways to allow communities to “actively participate” in shaping any future property and service recommendations.

Among the facilities recommended for closure are Selkirk Swimming Pool and the Queen’s Leisure Centre and Tri Fitness gym in Galashiels.

The report also advised that Jedburgh’s Laidlaw Pool should remain closed.

Libraries in Earlston, Eyemouth, Coldstream and Hawick are also recommended to be shut or consolidated with other services.

Old Gala House, Abbey Row Centre in Kelso and Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom in Selkirk are also on the closure list while the bowling hall at Tweedbank and sports hall at the Gytes in Peebles are proposed to be turned into fitness gyms.

Marshall Douglas, who represents Tweeddale East, said: “The current situation is not sustainable, we need to make changes, but there are inaccuracies within the data in the report, there are omissions and there are contradictions.”

He said the Innerleithen Memorial Hall was the “living heart of the town’s community” and that the amount being saved by its closure would not make the move justified.

Fellow ward councillor, Robin Tatler, stressed that they had “only started the process of the discussion”.

He said any concerns with the report could be raised during talks with the community.

Council leader Euan Jardine urged councillors to keep an open mind on the proposals.

He said: “We can be pragmatic, we can be forward-thinking here.

“It’s really important that we get this right and not make a snap judgement and that we go forward with an in-depth consultation.”