By Dave Lord

THE CAMPAIGN to save a Perth leisure centre from closure is continuing to gather momentum—even though the centre’s owners have been accused of “not lifting a finger” to help.

Thousands of locals have signed a petition aimed at safeguarding the future of the Healthworks complex which is owned by Norwich Union.

The insurance giant is determined to press ahead with plans to close the gym and was yesterday criticised for failing to help identify potential solutions.

A change of ownership has been mooted as one possibility but Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham insists Norwich Union chiefs have refused to help in any meaningful or constructive way.

The popular leisure centre is due to close its doors at the end of April and the politician admits campaigners face an uphill struggle.

“The timescale for closure imposed by Norwich Union is very tight indeed and getting an extension to the proposed date would have been a massive help in trying to put alternative arrangements in place,” she said.

“Unfortunately I have received confirmation from Norwich Union that their senior directors have decided that the closure date is driven by their lease commitments and they see ‘no reasonable scope’ to extend that commitment.

“This is very disappointing and their decision is clearly being made entirely on a financial basis.

“I am sure that the landowners would be amenable to a short-term extension of the lease if Norwich Union were willing to make that commitment.”

Ms Cunningham had harsh words for senior managers at the insurance firm insisting they were playing fast and loose with the many hundreds who regularly use the complex.

“In the Email I received, the Norwich Union public affairs manager added insult to injury by saying that if a commercial solution was to be found which allowed the site to continue to operate as a sports and leisure facility then they would be interested in an arrangement allowing Norwich Union staff to use it,” she continued.

“Norwich Union have washed their hands of Healthworks, will not lift a finger to help those trying to keep it open but want to keep using it if they are successful.

“Talk about wanting to have your cake and eat it,” Ms Cunningham added.

Meanwhile, Mike Robinson, of the recently-established Save the Gym campaign group, said the closure of Healthworks would have a devastating effect on hundreds of local youngsters.

“With up to a third of the leisure facilities in Perth provided by the Healthworks facility there are little alternative, affordable swimming lessons in the area and many youngsters will be left with no other viable options,” he said.

“To date Perth and Kinross leisure have given no concrete figures as to how these people can be accommodated in their existing facilities.

“Swimming classes at the Perth Leisure Pool have a long waiting list.

“The facility also provides many after-school clubs such as badminton and football and an invaluable school holiday kids’ club which is always heavily subscribed.”

Mr Robinson also poured scorn on claims made by Norwich Union bosses in defence of their decision to shut the centre.

“Norwich Union claimed that ‘only a small percentage of our staff use Healthworks’,” he said.

“In fact, over a third of the Pitheavlis site are members—approximately 400 employees or 1000 card holders when family members are included.

“Also, no mention has been made of the 2500 card holders who are non-Norwich Union staff but who routinely make use of the facilities.

“The Save the Gym committee has been conducting investigations on the financial background of the leisure facility and believes it could be a viable concern.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart is similarly concerned by the proposed imminent closure.

“The Healthworks leisure centre is home to a wide range of sports clubs and local schools use the pool for swimming lessons,” he said.

“There is absolutely no way that other venues in the city would be able to accommodate the extra demand if it were to close.

“The health and fitness of the people of Perth would be the big loser.

“At a time when tackling obesity and encouraging involvement in sport is so high on the agenda of both the Scottish and Westminster governments this is simply not acceptable,” Mr Wishart added.