Council leader faces ousting after U-turn on axing 39 facilities

North Lanarkshire Council had planned to shut dozens of community and leisure facilities.

Council leader faces ousting after U-turn on axing 39 facilities STV News

The leader of North Lanarkshire Council could be ousted as he faces a motion of no cofidence after a major U-turn on the closure of 39 community centres and leisure facilities.

The Labour-run local authority announced on Thursday that dozens of venues previously earmarked for closure would shut their doors permanently over the next two years.

Five of North Lanarkshire’s eight swimming pools were among the facilities due to shut.

Kilsyth Swimming Pool, the Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex in Bellshill, John Smith Pool in Airdrie, Shotts Leisure Centre and Aquatec in Motherwell were all affected by the cuts.

Local authority bosses said they were facing “tough decisions”, following the publication of a report into the condition of venues, usage, footfall, and the money expected to maintain them in the coming years.

But on Tuesday, a statement from council leader Jim Logue, issued by the Scottish Labour Party, said the local authority would rescind its previous decision and protect culture and leisure facilities.

On Thursday afternoon, the SNP group’s motion of no cofidence in Logue is set to be heard at a council meeting.

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