Published: Thursday, 25th October, 2007 09:00
Sports facilities 'professionalism' lacking – councillor
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CONCERNS have been expressed regarding the state of “antiquated” sports facilities in the Port Seton Centre.
And an East Lothian councillor has admitted that there is a lack of “professionalism” when it comes to promoting and running the local authority’s sporting facilities.
Community leaders say better advertising and promotion of sports facilities throughout the area is desperately required – as is an upgrade of the Port Seton Centre – if such facilities are to better serve their communities and bring in more customers to justify their continued existence.
The Port Seton Centre Advisory Committee also wants a more active role in how funding for activities within the centre is spent.
The Advisory Committee consists of local users of the community centre who meet with council officials and centre management on a monthly basis to discuss the interests of the centre.
Chairperson of the committee, former community council chairman Marlene Love, raised the issue at October’s community council meeting and also asked for a re-think concerning the Port Seton Centre’s gym.
“I think we should think about changing the use of the gym because it is lying empty half the time,” she said.
“I came down here last week and it was closed at the back of six, which is shocking, and the equipment we have is very antiquated and needs updated if we want to attract people to use it.
“The facilities we have here are also not being promoted properly, which is one of the reasons the council is losing money through sports hand over fist.
“Right throughout the (Preston, Seton and Gosford) area, people don’t know what’s happening in other sports centres because it’s not advertised right,” she claimed.
“We should have flyers in every surrounding area, and likewise other centres should advertise here so people know what’s going on.”
Community councillor Shelagh Thomson believes better facilities are required in the gym rather closing it for another purpose.
East Lothian Council’s SportsPlus division is in turmoil after losing £686,000 within the last two years.
Preston, Seton, Gosford councillor, Peter MacKenzie, who was also at the community council meeting, agreed with Ms Love.
He added: “The council is aware of this problem and we are concerned at the lack of professionalism in this area at facilities in East Lothian.
“People are using gyms like Bannatyne’s instead of council facilities which is very worrying for us.
“SportsPlus is currently under review because we have a very strong feeling that work isn’t being done there in a professional manner.”
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