Local voices in Larkhall have been heard by South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) who have responded positively to calls for additional funding for the town’s new leisure centre.
South Lanarkshire Council leader, Cllr Joe Fagan, has pledged an additional £3.85m to include a large games hall1. The funding will be confirmed in next week’s budget.
This follows a passionate campaign led by Larkhall Community Council (LCC) and Larkhall Plan Partnership (LPP) – a collaboration of community-based organisations working to improve the town and the wellbeing of its residents. Nearly 2,000 people signed a petition2 calling for a fit for purpose new facility and many people emailed Cllr Fagan directly.
LCC Chair, Tommy McPhee, said the response from the townsfolk in supporting the petition had been tremendous and had been key to influencing the Council’s decision: “A huge thank you to those who added their voice to the call for additional funding. We have been listened to and, as a result, we will now have a facility fit for purpose.”
LPP Chair, Nancy Barr, said: “This is a huge win for Larkhall and our communities. It demonstrates that we can influence those in power and make our voices heard when we come together and fight for the services we deserve.
“LPP had been in talks with the council about what was needed to meet the needs of the town now and also for generations to come.
“We recognise the tight financial position that all public services are facing and are doing everything we can to do as much for ourselves as a community, to support the growth of the town, including seeking funding from other sources. However, SLC has the responsibility to provide the services that support the health and wellbeing of local people and to decide what resources to allocate. Their decision to increase the leisure centre funding to nearly £28 million is the right one and one which we greatly appreciate.
“Larkhall is growing as a town with an anticipated population growth of 25% over the next five years, so this decision increases the shelf-life of the centre and makes better financial sense in the long run. We look forward to working with SLC in bringing this much needed new facility to fruition.
“In addition to thanking the local community for making their voices heard, we’d also like to thank the politicians who supported our campaign – in particular, Councillor Richard Nelson whose backing has been invaluable and Councillor Ross Clark whose support has been very much appreciated.
“We look forward to working alongside the Council as the project continues and construction begins to develop our new much-needed leisure centre.”
Building work on the new Larkhall Leisure Centre, which will include a 25m swimming pool, gym sports courts, games hall and community meetings space, is expected to get underway later this year.
ENDS
References
- https://hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/local/news/more-cash-larkhall-leisure-centre-council-u-turn/
- https://www.change.org/p/build-a-new-leisure-centre-for-larkhall-fit-for-the-future?recruiter=1359795684&recruited_by_id=58a827d0-b632-11ef-8fb8-cf5d73c6effb&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink
Notes to Editors
Larkhall Plan Partnership is a collaboration of charities and voluntary groups in Larkhall working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, HSCP, the private sector, and other organisations. Our aim is to bring the voice of people in Larkhall to decision makers so communities have input into the decisions that affect them.
We have created a plan, based on what Larkhall residents told us they wanted to change or develop in the town, which has led to new projects. The plan is community-led and open to all who want to participate.
We’re here to grow the town, and crucially to grow people in Larkhall.
The Facebook we’re using is Larkhall Community Plan: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064529599445
Watch an information video about Larkhall Plan Partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmr4pH6QrR0
You can read the outcome of the survey from 2019 which kickstarted our work: https://9b023211-6aa7-416e-888b-09c0750c9964.filesusr.com/ugd/f38ce0_ac7f3bd4f79d401695e745e9a563512f.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawHPiwdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYsAW63DV6IPfR9qk9URisjerwp_CTOX1MJ5OHo_D4YZ2QkTdzbqZaCMBQ_aem_Ef1Hx2UON6QKuYMnfwzBIA
Contact
For anything further please contact Chris Park, communications and engagement officer for Larkhall Plan Partnership: lppchrispark@gmail.com.