Lease for pool at Abercorn school

During the last 18 months, I have supported the commitment by Education Services to explore all options to retain the swimming pool at Abercorn Secondary School, which is located on Garscube Road.  During 2012, it was put forward in the council's budget for closure due the cost of ongoing maintenance, energy and water.

I have given my support for the Council to enter in to dialogue with an external organisation, Making Waves Limited, with the aim of negotiating the leasing of the pool and operating it on a commercial basis. 

 A 10-year lease is now being considered by elected members. This will be reported to a meeting of the Children and Families Policy Development Committee tomorrow. Various issues have emerged during the dialogue including access to the pools for school pupils, legal obligations of the headteacher, security and renaming of the pool.  The new name for the pool is suggested as "Garscube Pool". There is a requirement to set an annual rent at a level to at least recover additional costs incurred.

There are comments being gathered from elected members prior to the formal lease agreement being prepared. I will support the proposed lease to ensure that the pool is retained for pupils and wider community within the Hillhead ward.