Fears over trust’s agenda for future of popular leisure centre

A leading councillor has resigned from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, (FSLT), accusing the board of trying to force the closure of Beacon Leisure Centre in Burntisland.

Labour councillor Neil Crooks said he could no longer let the trust continue with what he claims is its “active mandate” to close the complex.

Mr Crooks said the Beacon is facing “death by a thousand cuts” after the trust lodged fresh proposals to further reduce its operating hours.

The FSLT cut opening times at the Beacon two years ago, but in January 2019 had its proposal for full closure rejected by Fife Council.

It eventually came to an agreement with the local authority which should have secured the future of the Beacon for the next three years.

Mr Crooks has accused the trust of breaking that deal after it lodged fresh proposals for further cuts to operating hours.

He said: “I’m convinced that the trust is pursuing an active mandate to press on with its desire to close the Beacon, and I can’t stand by and allow that to happen, and neither will the public.

“Burntisland is one of the few towns in Fife that has a thriving high street and the Beacon plays a vital part in that economic success.”

Wendy Watson, FSLT chief operating officer, said: “No decision has been made with regards the current operating hours. Any decision to amend the level of service, at any of its facilities due to budget pressures is taken in conjunction with, and full agreement of, Fife Council – it is not Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s preferred position to alter operating hours that affect its customers.”