Decision day set over fate of Borders pools and libraries

A special meeting next month will decide the future of sport, leisure and cultural services in the Borders.

It comes after a report by consultants recommended closing a string of sites – including swimming pools and libraries.

It also suggested that more than 50 full-time posts would have to go to ensure the sustainability of Live Borders – the charitable trust which runs facilities on the local authority’s behalf.

The findings of a consultation exercise will be discussed by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) on 29 October with a final decision on the proposals to be made at a dedicated meeting on 20 November.

The council was told earlier this year that the current Live Borders delivery model was “unsustainable”.

It heard that £2.5m of additional funding had been needed last year – on top of a £4.8m management fee – to keep services going.

The situation prompted consultants to suggest closing a large number of sites and cutting jobs.

The council promised widespread consultation in the face of public outcry across the region about the facilities which could be lost.

Council leader Euan Jardine said the task of analysing the public response had needed longer than anticipated due to the “volume and quality of the feedback”.

“Decisions on the future of our sport, leisure and cultural facilities will be among the most important we take during this administration’s term in office,” he said.

“It is essential that we do not rush that process and have enough time for all elected members to assess the proposals before debating them in the council chamber.”

He stressed that any changes would address only “part of the challenges” being faced by Live Borders but said he had been encouraged by the “vision and leadership” being shown by its new chief executive.