Pupils team up in bid to save sports centre
PUPILS from Yoker have teamed up with their local councillor to save their sports centre from being turned into a nursery. A consultation, which has now closed, was launched by Glasgow Life to engage with the public about the potential development of a childcare facility at the Yoker Sports Centre.
But young people who attend the Dumbarton Road Corridor (DRC) Youth Project were outraged that they had not been consulted on these plans and that their sports centre, which includes a gym, would no longer exist.
They raised concerns with Councillor Michael Cullen. Plans had included a mezzanine floor which would allow gym enthusiasts to access sports studios on the upper floor – a reduction in space.
Mr Cullen said: “Young people at the DRC Youth Project were outraged that their sports centre could be reduced in size and that noone had spoken to them about the plans. They asked me why this had happened.
“They are the biggest users of the centre and eventually were encouraged to take part in the consultation. They gave suggestions on different ways to develop a nursery that would not interfere with the gym.
“We should have consulted with them sooner as discussions for a potential nursery have been ongoing for the last nine months.”
Following the consultation there are now proposals to build an extension to the sports centre.
Mr Cullen said it is important to provide opportunities for every member of the community.
He added: “These young people are well known in the area, the staff at the gym know them and look out for them.
“Although these kids are not the only people using the sports centre, they are the biggest users, and it gives them a purpose.”
There are still safety concerns surrounding the potential development.
Mr Cullen added: “The kids don’t want a shared entrance to their community centre, and we should be listening to their concerns.
“There is vacant land nearby which would be perfect for a development like this. I am not denying that we need a nursery but we need to take public health and safety into account.”
A report on the consultation will be brought before council.