Thomas McAvoy

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Opposition to closure to halfway recreation centre grows

7 October 2009

James Kelly MSP and Tommy McAvoy MP have this week announced that they will campaign to save the Halfway Recreation Centre from closure.

Reports in last week's Reformer stated that the centre has been earmarked for closure and that this is being considered by South Lanarkshire Council.

James Kelly MSP said: "I oppose the closure of the Halfway Recreation Centre. This proposal comes on the back of the closure of the Gilbertfield Hall, the Mill Road Senior Citizen's Pavilion and no replacement being found for the facilities at the Dalton school. At a time when residents in the ward are looking for more community facilities, the response of closing the Halfway Recreation centre seems the wrong approach.

"The Halfway area is in desperate need of investment in its sport facilities and the council have a duty to ensure that every area is being treated fairly.

"The council have been tied into this by working to the SNP efficiency cuts agenda. It is time that we had a fair deal for the people of Cambuslang East.

"The Council's local plan commits the council to "protecting and where possible enhancing educational and other community facilities". It also is committed to ensuring that "all residents have reasonable access to educational and community facilities." I hope these commitments will be taken into account as this proposal is considered further."

Tommy McAvoy MP said: "There is no doubt that the Council are facing difficult economic circumstances both now and in the future and clearly difficult decisions will have to be made. However that means that communities need to feel that they are being treated fairly in comparison to other areas. I would maintain that this is not the case regarding this proposed closure.

"Since I helped to establish this Council by getting us out of Glasgow, this Council has had an excellent record of providing facilities and looking after the population of Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Halfway. The school building programme is just one example of how effective this Council has been.

"I understand that this is the only service facility being proposed for closure. Against the background of the other closures affecting Cambuslang East it just seems to be one thing after another.

Chair of Local Labour Party Rev Stuart MacQuarrie has indicated that he will recommend local Labour party support.

He said: "I will be suggesting that the local Labour Party support the campaign to safeguard this facility. I am sure the local Labour party will throw its weight behind this campaign."