12 November 2013
Labour MP and Councillors Meet to Discuss Cuts/Closures to Leisure Services
On Friday 8 November ,Sandra Osborne MP met with Cumnock and Doon Valley Labour councillors to discuss East Ayrshire Council’s ‘Property and Estate Rationalisation’ programme which will see leisure services being cut or closed completely.
Background -
As part of the Council’s Transformation Strategy, the Property and Estate Rationalisation programme was established to reduce the number of buildings operated by the Council by 25%. The aim of this is to save £2.246m over three years.
In July 2013, management responsibility for all Council-owned community facilities transferred to the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust. The Trust is currently working with the Council to review these facilities to balance business objectives with future community needs and to identify those which may be suitable for transfer to community groups and organisations. Facilities are being assessed in terms of usage, running costs and physical condition.
Sandra Osborne said
‘I have been contacted by constituents in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area who understandably are very concerned about losing leisure services in their area.
‘I am concerned at the way this process has been handled so far by the Council. In some of the areas affected, there will be little or nothing left if the community facilities mentioned in the document are closed. I am aware that there have been several expressions of interest so far by community groups who may look at taking over some of the services, but I am concerned about the fate of the facilities in areas where no community groups are in a position to take over the service. What will happen in these circumstances – will be facility be closed completely? This is unacceptable’.
‘I will be keeping a close eye on developments with a view to ensuring that my constituents continue have access to leisure services in their area.’
Cllr Barney Menzies said:
‘East Ayrshire Labour Group will support any community organisation looking to take over responsibility of running a facility in their area. In cases where no one comes forward, the Labour Group will support the local community in their fight to keep the service open.’
Ends
Labour MP and Councillors Meet to Discuss Cuts/Closures to Leisure Services
On Friday 8 November ,Sandra Osborne MP met with Cumnock and Doon Valley Labour councillors to discuss East Ayrshire Council’s ‘Property and Estate Rationalisation’ programme which will see leisure services being cut or closed completely.
Background -
As part of the Council’s Transformation Strategy, the Property and Estate Rationalisation programme was established to reduce the number of buildings operated by the Council by 25%. The aim of this is to save £2.246m over three years.
In July 2013, management responsibility for all Council-owned community facilities transferred to the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust. The Trust is currently working with the Council to review these facilities to balance business objectives with future community needs and to identify those which may be suitable for transfer to community groups and organisations. Facilities are being assessed in terms of usage, running costs and physical condition.
Sandra Osborne said
‘I have been contacted by constituents in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area who understandably are very concerned about losing leisure services in their area.
‘I am concerned at the way this process has been handled so far by the Council. In some of the areas affected, there will be little or nothing left if the community facilities mentioned in the document are closed. I am aware that there have been several expressions of interest so far by community groups who may look at taking over some of the services, but I am concerned about the fate of the facilities in areas where no community groups are in a position to take over the service. What will happen in these circumstances – will be facility be closed completely? This is unacceptable’.
‘I will be keeping a close eye on developments with a view to ensuring that my constituents continue have access to leisure services in their area.’
Cllr Barney Menzies said:
‘East Ayrshire Labour Group will support any community organisation looking to take over responsibility of running a facility in their area. In cases where no one comes forward, the Labour Group will support the local community in their fight to keep the service open.’
Ends