Councillors can back both pool and school

Sir, – Your recent reports regarding the future of the proposed PH20 leisure project in Perth does not tell the whole story.

The council is facing undoubted pressure on capital funding.

However, capital funding for new schools cannot be regarded as an optional extra.

Schools must be built and financed from capital funds serviced by revenue expenditure over many years.

The funding for the new community swimming pool and ice rink, with complementary facilities, can and should be supported by loan funding.

Live Active Leisure has set aside £5 million towards the PH2O project, as has the council.

It now seems that the council’s £5 million for the project is at risk and will be reallocated to the new High School.

This must not be the end of the road for the PH2O project.

Loan funding through the council can be arranged at well below commercial rates.

A loan to LAL for the PH2O new facility should be provided, after all LAL is the PKC’s leisure provider and has been for more than 50 years.

The loan and interest are planned by LAL to be repaid through efficiencies, gained from the operations and use of the new facilities.

This is surely a win win situation for residents of Perth and Kinross.

I hope the council will see the wisdom and benefits of this proposal at their meeting on Wednesday and vote for both school and pool. David MacLehose. Beech Grove House, Dundee Road, Perth.

Live Action Leisure has set aside £5 million for the PH20 project, as has the council.