Cabinet agrees support for swimming provision in Cumnock

In response to the group’s request for further financial support, and following a wide ranging, positive and fruitful discussion, members agreed a number of recommendations. 

They decided to continue with both financial and practical support, including the offer that the Council will work with Visions Leisure to help them look for alternative sources of finance and energy sources to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions and build future financial viability. 

At  the same time they also recommended that the group works co-operatively with partner organisations, such as East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, to take advantage of their vast wealth of experience in running successful leisure facilities.  

Explaining the decisions made by Cabinet, Council Leader, Councillor Douglas Reid said: “The Cumnock and District Leisure Group (CDLG) and Visions Leisure Centre has had a strong presence in East Ayrshire’s leisure provision for many years, having been established and crowdfunded by the local community with the clear ambition to provide a swimming pool and leisure facilities.

“Like many organisations the effects of lock down and increasing costs have had an impact on the centre’s viability and today’s presentation outlined the issues faced by Visions and called for further support from the Council who have supported the venture from its inception.  

“At the core of our discussions was the strongly held belief, shared across Cabinet, that swimming provision in Cumnock is of vital importance to the health and wellbeing of the community. There was unanimous support shown in comments from our Cabinet members about the importance of swimming in and around the Cumnock area, with one remarking, ‘Swimming is important, every child should have the right to learn to swim and potentially save a life.’ 

“That’s why, with strong, cross party support we have agreed to recommend release of necessary funds to allow the operation to continue, with a new Service Level Agreement to continue our support of swimming in schools.  

“At the same time we’ve pledged to include the Visions Leisure Centre in our upcoming Leisure Review which will look at all facilities in East Ayrshire with a view to making sure that all our communities are well served by public and third sector leisure facilities in line with our Community Wealth Building and Net Zero targets.  

“We’ve also recommended that the Visions team works closely with East Ayrshire Leisure Trust to explore marketing and management solutions to maximise footfall, and that they should explore all possible avenues for alternative funding and energy solutions. 

“At the heart of these recommendations is our unanimous commitment as a Council to ensure that swimming provision for people of all ages in the Cumnock area is easily available and accessible to all.”