Bo'ness Recreation Centre to close within three months

A report said the cost of repairs needed at the centre was estimated at more than £4m.

Councillors have voted to close Bo'ness Recreation Centre within three months despite a campaign by residents to save it.

The decision was made due to condition concerns, a maintenance backlog and to allow investment in new facilities.

A report said the cost of repairs was estimated at more than £4m.

Officials recommended that £3m should be invested in community access to sport and leisure facilities at secondary schools' in the council area.

Councillors were told the centre would have to be closed or partially closed for a significant time to allow for asbestos to be removed safely.

Surveyors identified corroded electrical wiring and cracks in the pool wall, as well as issues with the boilers, lighting and heating.

They added that the roof was also in very poor condition.

Officials said the additional funding could provide an extension to Bo'ness Academy to accommodate new facilities to meet local demand.

Falkirk Council leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: "We are very much aware of the community's feelings over the closure of Bo'ness Rec, however looking at the facts presented in an independent surveyor's report simply leaves us with no options here.

"As a council, we cannot continue to simply spend money when alternatives can be found and in the case of Bo'ness Rec, it would take an investment of at least £4m to simply fix the issues but not see any improvement for our customers."

A large group of campaigners gathered with placards ahead of the meeting, before watching the four-hour debate from the public gallery.