Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is courting further controversy after confirming plans to cut opening hours at two more of the region’s leisure facilities.
Budget pressures were blamed for the decision to slash operating hours at Cupar Sports Centre and the East Sands Leisure Centre in St Andrews last month in a move which sparked a local and political backlash.
Trust chiefs have revealed similar plans for Bowhill Swimming Pool in Cardenden and Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre.
Bowhill will see an overall reduction of 20 hours across the week, mainly due to Monday to Thursday’s opening time being moved from 10am to 2pm.
Cowdenbeath’s overall cut of eight hours 45 minutes throughout the week is largely due to the centre closing earlier.
The Trust insists the changes will have minimal impact on the delivery of the Learn to Swim programme at each site, with only two swimming classes at Bowhill subject to alternative arrangement.
Swimming clubs have been accommodated, with one offered an alternative time slot at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre. Swimming lessons for participants with additional support needs are being accommodated at alternative sites and there will be no impact on the current bookings for the synthetic turf pitch at Bowhill Swimming Pool.
Wendy Watson, chief operating officer for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “Despite consistent prudent financial management, the trust must now balance its budget with the funding level recently announced by Fife Council.
“The funding package, coupled with projected income which can be generated from centres and their programmes means the trust will not be able to maintain the current levels of existing services.
“This will inevitably affect the opening hours at some sports and leisure facilities across Fife.
“As a charitable trust, we have a responsibility to ensure the financial sustainability of our programmes and facilities for the benefit of the wider community.
“Any decision to change any aspect of our service delivery is taken with the objective of ensuring programmes and services are available for a range of users, as, unlike a private operator, we are committed to providing programmes and facilities for all ages and abilities.
“The trust remains committed to widening access for all to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity and since its launch, has consistently grown attendance rates to its facilities.”
The Trust says the reduction of opening hours is targeted at times which in the main are outwith core peak operating periods and safeguard times for community activities for older adults and children.
