Group optimistic over centre’s upgrade as it waits for £1m decision

Major work to be unveiled with or without government cash

A community centre is preparing to unveil a string of major upgrades – with or without an expected £1 million from the Scottish Government.

Letham4All, operator of the Letham Centre, will find out next month if it has been lucky second time round in its bid for the grant from the Scottish Regeneration Fund.

However, having already been awarded money this year from Perth and Kinross Council, the group is preparing to install a community kitchen, soft play area and new gym.

The group previously lost out on £80,000 for a major refit.

However, members hope if it is successful in the Holyrood grants, as well as other applications to the Gannochy Trust and National Lottery, the revamp can be put back on the table.

The board will hear next month whether it has been successful.

The centre was formerly run by Live Active Leisure and last year the council signed off on a £3m revamp, including an extension and NHS treatment room but the local authority slashed the budget and plans were put on hold.

This year, Letham4All has made it to a further round in the application process.

The funding would go towards securing healthcare services at the Tweedsmuir Road centre.

Even if the bid is unsuccessful, board member Susie Burt said hopes will be high for significant upgrades.

She said: “This money would be a miracle, but we’re still looking at the Gannochy Trust and National Lottery too.”

The group also hopes to eventually buy the building, which it leases from the council, through a community asset transfer.

Councillor John Rebbeck, a Letham4All trustee, is keen to see more services in the area.

He said: “There is no GP surgery in Letham.

“I would love to see some health services available here and we are in discussions about having a mental health project based here soon.

“There is a real buzz about the place and we want it to be more than a community centre.”

There is a real buzz about the place and we want it to be more than a community centre. COUNCILLOR JOHN REBBECK