An Angus councillor has warned the former Lochside Leisure Centre in Forfar should be demolished as a matter of urgency to avoid “devastating consequences”.
Colin Brown, Independent councillor for Forfar and district and Depute Provost of Angus, fears for the safety of local youths as well as the impact any demolition could have for those using the nearby caravan park in the summer months.
The facility closed a year ago to coincide with the opening of the multi-million pound community campus on Kirriemuir Road which replaced Forfar Academy, Forfar Swimming Pool and the leisure centre.
It was boarded up but became a magnet for youths with reports some had been seen on the roof.
Now councillor Brown has called on Angus Council to act promptly, given the centre’s location within the Forfar Loch Country Park.
He said: “It’s a sad state of affairs.
“It should have come down the same day the new campus was built or when the diggers finished demolishing the former Forfar Academy they should have gone straight down to the Lochside Leisure Centre.
“It’s an eyesore and all that will happen is that it will get worse.
“If vandals get in something horrible could happen – there could be devastating consequences.
“It’s a ticking time bomb.”
Councillor Brown stressed the urgency of demolishing the building to avoid interfering with the busy summer period at the Lochside Caravan Park, run by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
“We are coming into the start of the tourism season and the caravan park will be full to capacity,” he continued.
“Can you imagine hauling buildings down while caravans and holidaymakers are there – there will be dust flying everywhere.
“The leisure centre has been sitting empty for over a year now and nothing has happened.
“I am concerned about the visual impact on the beauty of the area.
“It is letting the country park down.
“We have people going round the loch taking pictures which they put on Facebook , it looks stunning, but the leisure centre is an eyesore.”
Councillor Brown also called for proper toilet facilities to be provided within the Forfar Loch Country Park to bring it in line with similar facilities provided at Monike and Crombie Country Parks which he understands are run by Angus Alive.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “Council officers met with community councillors at the site of the former leisure centre on Friday to continue discussions around the potential options for future toilet provision in the area.
“Discussions are also continuing regards the future use of the land and building.”
