‘Increased pressure’ sees tough choices

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) said “increased pressure”on their budget has led to “tough choices”being made.

Chief executive of SLLC, Kay Morrison, said:“Like other leisure Trusts, South Lanarkshire Council and indeed residents across the country, we are faced with some really tough choices this year with regards our budget.

“I hope people understand the pressures we are under, including increased utility costs, inflation, pay increases and the ongoing impact as we recover from the pandemic, mean that there are no easy choices to be made.

“We have to do everything in our power to make sure we still offer services at competitive prices. We also have to make sure SLLC is in a position to continue to deliver for the people of South Lanarkshire for this year and the years to come.

“I believe the measures agreed by the Board of Directors for SLLC enable us to meet all of these challenges head on.”

Slamming the move, Tory MSP Graham Simpson said: “This is the direct result of SNP underfunding which has been going on for years.

“South Lanarkshire is not the only council making such tough decisions about community facilities. We are seeing swimming pools close, sports centres shut and community centres axed throughout Scotland.

“For those of us in East Kilbride it is a matter of concern that Duncanrig Sports Centre, Chapelton Hall and Glassford Hall will be handed back to the council. The council should say what the future holds for these facilities.”

To help meet the budget gap of £4million, the SLLC board agreed prices will increase across other services by seven per cent, which will raise £819,000.

Service efficiencies could mean a reduction in opening hours for some halls, leisure centres and libraries, among other services. Changes to the number of community halls and leisure centres SLLC requires to operate from were also agreed.

The board also discussed concession rates and some increases were agreed by South Lanarkshire Council when it set its 2023-24 Budget last month.

David Booth, Executive Director for Community and Enterprise at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “Every effort will be made to accommodate existing lets where it is possible.”

SLLC could withdraw from the following facilities which would return to the council:

■ EK –Duncanrig Sports Centre, Chapleton Hall, Glassford Hall;

■ Cambuslang/ Rutherglen – Westburn Hall, Toll Pitch Community Hall and Spittal Hall;

■ Hamilton – Uddingston Sports Centre, Hareleeshill Sportbarn, Larkfield Hall and store, Low Waters Hall, Hareleeshill Community Wing, Dalserf Community Wing; David Milne Centre and Springwells Hall.

■ Clydesdale – Lesmahagow Sports Centre, Abington Hall, Braidwood Community Facility, The Fountain Lesmahagow, Carluke Community Wing, Elsrickle Hall and Dolphinton Village Hall.