Stewartry’s only council-run swimming pool could be facing the axe

Stewartry Swimming Pool Faces Closure Threat

Stewartry’s only council-run swimming pool in Castle Douglas is at risk of closure as part of a budget consultation by the local authority. With the need to cut £10 million from the budget annually for the next three years, the public is being asked to consider nearly 50 options for cost savings, including potentially shutting down the beloved swimming pool.

Councillor Iain Howie of Castle Douglas and Crocketford expressed his concerns, stating that choosing between budgets presented by the administration and opposition will be difficult. He emphasized the importance of considering the impact on the community, especially when comparing options like keeping schools open versus saving the swimming pool.

The proposed budget cuts aim to generate significant savings, with options such as reducing the number of leisure facilities, adjusting school mothballing policies, and implementing parking charges. The council is seeking public input to understand how these changes may affect residents and to guide decision-making for the upcoming budget cycle.

The closure of Castle Douglas Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite, which received over 65,000 visits last year, is just one of the many tough choices on the table. Despite plans for a £1 million upgrade, the facility might be shut down to save up to £200,000 annually. Additionally, adjusting the school mothballing threshold to 25 pupils could lead to substantial savings by 2027/28.

As the consultation continues until December 6, residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the future of essential services in the region. The final decisions on budget allocations will be made in February, following the analysis of public feedback and financial considerations.

In conclusion, the potential closure of Stewartry’s only council-run swimming pool highlights the challenging decisions that local authorities face in balancing budgets while maintaining essential services for communities. The engagement of residents in the consultation process is crucial in ensuring that the outcomes align with the needs and priorities of the people affected.