Scotland's swimming pools face an uncertain future unless they receive major re-investment according to a study commissioned by sportscotland. Around £540m is needed by the year 2020, which equates to £25m a year, if they are to continue to serve the needs of the population. The findings are published in a report, The Ticking Time Bomb, a study of the scale of the problem, commissioned by sportscotland in conjunction with COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and providers and managers of a number of Scotland's 338 public swimming pools. The value of this report is to alert all concerned to the scale of the issue and to promote a co-operative approach to finding solutions, said Alastair Dempster, chairman of sportscotland. While Scotland has a substantial supply of public swimming pools which are highly valued by local communities, facilities are rapidly deteriorating because of a lack of investment in refurbishment. The Sports Lottery Fund has already committed £5m and a further £5m is needed to launch a £10m programme devoted to upgrading key swimming pools. Paul Bush chief executive of Scottish Swimming, urged people to work together to avert what could be a disastrous scenario for the sport of swimming and the people of Scotland.
If you would like to get each issue of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines sent direct to you for FREE, plus the weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines, sign up now!
|