Legal action launched over Auchinleck leisure centre closure

Auchinleck Leisure Centre hosts clubs including the Cumnock Dolphins

Locals have launched legal proceedings against the closure of a "vital" leisure centre in East Ayrshire.

Auchinleck Leisure Centre was set to close on Thursday despite pushback from the community.

But on Wednesday afternoon, the council confirmed the centre would remain open until the end of January.

A former community police officer told BBC Scotland News he was unsurprised by recent disorder in the area following the decision to close the centre.

The trust which runs the facility for the council said the closure was due to finances and local leisure provision would be maintained.

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But there are concerns that the change could lead to increased costs, including travel to the nearest alternative facility in Cumnock.

East Ayrshire Leisure Trust said Visions Leisure Centre and the Barony school campus, both in nearby Cumnock, would absorb the services on offer at the centre without disruption.

The council confirmed the extension would allow more time for a "smooth transition" to alternative facilities.

Govan Law Centre said it was raising "urgent judicial review proceedings" at the Court of Session on Thursday to challenge the closure.

It cited apparent failures relating to the Equality Act, claim of indirect discrimination, and the need to properly consult.

Mark Carter is a regular user of the Auchinleck Leisure Centre

Mark Carter, vice chair of the Auchinleck leisure community committee (ALCC), raised concerns around unreliable opening times and accessibility concerns at Visions.

"Visions isn't suitable for so many people," he said. "The suggested alternatives are not alternatives.

"They gave us a month's notice which isn't enough time to do anything. It's not right at all.

"The Auchinleck centre was budgeted to stay open until March."

Mr Carter linked the recent large-scale disorder in the village to the loss of important community resources.

"With my background as a community cop, I know that when you take away the last facility for the Auchinleck people you're going to have problems.

"The signs were there and they were ignored.

"We're the second lowest on the Scottish index for deprivation. It's a very proud area due to the mining history, but what do you expect when you take away the centre?"

• Man jumped out window to flee village disorder

He said the committee's priority was keeping the centre open so they could have more time to negotiate with the council.

"If that means a community asset transfer, we're actively looking at that," he said.

"But once they shut the doors, it could start deteriorating and that will be very expensive to repair."

Kirsteen Havlin, who is also on the committee, welcomed the decision to delay the closure.

She said: "ALCC are passionate about keeping leisure at the heart of our community and will continue to pursue all avenues we can to keep these vital facilities open in Auchinleck.

Kirsteen Havlin said the centre was an essential community facility

"We have spoken before about being an area of low income and employment as well as poor health.

"We really need this facility to remain open for all service users to benefit but particularly for children and those with disabilities.

"Auchinleck Leisure Centre is a welcoming, thriving centre which ALCC is incredibly proud of."

The impending closure could spell the end of the Cumnock Dolphins, a swimming club which has been around for 60 years.

Visions Leisure Centre said club officials were contacted and offered pool space, but the offer was declined due to compatibility.

Alongside swimming sessions in the pool, the Auchinleck centre also provides a space for other clubs such as gymnastics, dancing and taekwondo.

'Smooth transition'

East Ayrshire Leisure Trust said the future of leisure provision in Auchinleck and Cumnock had been under review for several years.

The trust commissioned an independent study of Auchinleck Leisure Centre in May 2022 which recommended closing the pool due to "associated significant cost implications".

East Ayrshire Council confirmed it had been made aware of the legal action but had not yet received any formal correspondence.

It said user groups had been informed of the extension "in order to allow more time to ensure a smooth transition for all current users to their proposed alternative locations/arrangements."

The spokeswoman said officers would continue to engage with all users and alternative providers and address any concern raised to minimise the impact of relocating.