Members of a Brucehill gymnastics club who have seen their base threatened with closure say they feel let down by West Dunbartonshire Council.
The West Dumbarton Activity Centre in Brucehill is one of seven facilities which could close or move to community ownership as the local authority attempts to close a £21 million budget shortfall.
Despite fierce opposition from members of West Dunbartonshire Gymnastics Club, which welcomes more than 550 people every week, councillors approved proposals that could see the venue closed down if it can’t be brought into community ownership.
The proposal reads: "This would reduce community facility provision across West Dunbartonshire to a level more consistent with neighbouring local authorities through a combination of closure and community asset transfers.”
It continues: “Under this option, the provision would be reviewed with up to seven centres transferred to community ownership or closed.”
Development coordinator at WDGC Luisa McFarlane said: “We feel very disappointed and let down by the council.
“The young people are being disadvantaged at every turn by a local authority that has continually failed to support the development of their skills by neglecting the facility.
“In 2018 we worked hard with parents and carers to get the gym up and running and are disappointed that WDC are bailing on their side of the agreements made.
“As a community club we could not take over the building with all the repairs that need done.”
As well as Brucehill’s gymnastics centre, the proposals would also impact Bonhill Community Centre in Ladyton, Napier Hall in Old Kilpatrick, Bowling Hall and three venues in Clydebank.
At the meeting, SNP deputy leader Gordon Scanlan challenged Labour’s Lawrence O’Neill on the potential closure of the Skypoint centre in Faifley - with Cllr O’Neill giving his assurances that the facility would not be shut down.
Councillor Scanlan has now challenged his fellow Kilpatrick member to provide the same assurances for other centres, if community asset transfers aren’t possible.
Cllr Scanlan said: “’I was deeply disappointed to see the savings option taken for a review of up to seven community centres throughout West Dunbartonshire at the March 1 budget meeting.
“Personal assurances from Cllr O’Neill that Skypoint community centre in Faifley will not be closed until it is transferred into the new school campus were welcome, and I will hold this promise to account.
“I hope that local community groups can be found for the other facilities - including Brucehill activity centre and if a community owner can not be found for the other facilities that the administration does not close these assets vital to our local residents.”
A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council refused to rule out a closure of the venue, but said that money would be available for community groups looking to take on facilities.
She said: “Following the decision at council, officers will be engaging with community groups.
“The options for the centres include Community Asset Transfer, making lease arrangements for the properties and investigating alternative uses.
“Support is available to community groups for community asset transfer and a Community Asset Support Fund of £60k was also established as part of last week’s budget to further assist groups.”
