MSP: Activity first not profit
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has spoken about the massive increase in people using Active Stirling gym facilities since the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The Observer reported on Friday that Stirling was among the places which has seen the highest growth in the number of people taking up physical activity.
Freedom of Information figures show that there were 3107 Active Stirling members four years ago compared with 7302 in 2017 – an increase of 135 per cent.
The numbers relate to participation at facilities across the Stirling Sports Village and at other Active Stirling venues in the city.
The figure in 2007 was 1011 while it dropped to an all-time low the following year with just 687 members.
SNP politician Mr Crawford said that his party has a great record in promoting physical activity and encouraging people to participate.
He said:“In the last financial year, Active Stirling was threatened with privatisation by the last administration on Stirling Council and I am proud that it was the SNP that campaigned alongside the local community to keep it in public hands.
“It is clear that Active Stirling is an important service to many local people and the priority should always be service users, not profit makers.”
Active Stirling say the growth represents an increase in the number of people using the gym, fitness classes, swimming and skating facilities, in addition to programmes for people with complex medical conditions and community buggy walks.