Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack submitted her petition, calling on The City of Edinburgh Council to save the Dalry Swim Centre, to Edinburgh Leisure today November 9th.
The petition has gathered tremendous support from the local community, collecting over 3,500 signatures. Campaigners have also organised a „Save Our Baths‟ website, a Facebook group and a rally attended by people of all ages from across the community.
There is a YouTube video of the rally which you can see here
The future of the pool was placed in doubt due to the £347,000 funding cut handed down to Edinburgh Leisure from the Council. Ms Boyack submitted the petition to John Comiskey, the Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, after the Convener of the Council‟s Culture and Leisure Committee, Cllr Deidre Brock, declined to accept it.
Speaking ahead of the handover Ms Boyack said:-
“The response to the petition has been fantastic and speaks volumes for the importance of the swim centre to the local community.
“The facilities at the centre are well used by people of all ages providing them with the opportunity to get healthy and to meet new people. It would be a devastating blow to the community if the centre was shut as there is already a lack of good facilities in the area.
“Local people have worked extremely hard on this campaign and can be proud of the response and the message that it sends. However, I am deeply disappointed by the Council‟s refusal to accept the petition.
“SNP and Lib Dem councillors were prepared to vote through the cuts to Edinburgh Leisure but are washing their hands of the consequences. It is time for the councillors who sit on the board of Edinburgh Leisure to ensure that the Dalry Swim Centre does not fall victim to Council cuts.
“We all know that there are more cuts in the pipeline from the Council but local leisure facilities are crucial to public health. I hope that the wave of support for the Dalry Baths will send a clear message that our sports facilities are valued by the communities they serve when the Council sets its budget in the months ahead.”
Ms Boyack also handed in a petition calling on the Council to save the Crags Sports Centre. Edinburgh Leisure has already confirmed that it will withdraw support for the centre at the end of the year as a result of Council cuts.
About the Crags, Ms Boyack said:-
“Edinburgh Leisure‟s decision is regrettable and a direct result of the invidious position that they have been placed in by the Council.
“The Crags was created as a result of a long running campaign and was funded by the efforts of the local community. People I have spoken to are angry that these efforts are to be cast aside.
“Unfortunately the decision has been made and it is time to look forward. I am now working with local groups to see if there is any prospect of saving the Crags Centre.
“I understand that the Crags building will revert to the Council and I hope that they step up to the plate to keep the centre open.”
