Concerns as leisure centre’s opening delayed

Concerns over the longterm future of one of Fife’s main swimming pools and leisure centres resurfaced after its planned reopening was delayed.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust had already been criticised for leaving Burntisland’s Beacon Leisure Centre until last in its reopening programme, following suggestions earlier this year the facility had been earmarked for closure.

Now trust chiefs have said the Beacon will not open fully on Monday October 26 as planned, though its synthetic turf pitches will be made available to locals as scheduled.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust CEO Emma Walker said: “The design is such that physical distancing , without additional modifications cannot be achieved at a suitable and sufficient level throughout the facility.

“We have also identified a number of challenges with regards to the air ventilation system and pool water levels so they meet new Covid specifications.

“We’d like to reassure customers that we are working hard to resolve these issues”

Eight of the region’s leisure centres have already opened with Covid-19 measures in place, and more are due to open on Monday.

Campaigners fought to retain the Beacon earlier this year amid suggestions it could close due to cost-cutting measures.

LabourKir kcal dy councillor Neil Crooks quit the trust’s board in January after revealing his belief there was an “active mandate” to close the Beacon, while Conservative councillor Kathleen Leslie has criticised the delay in reopening.

Council community and housing services convener Judy Hamilton said: “We will monitor the situation closely.”