Concerns over pool refurbishment delay

THREE councillors are “extremely concerned” about the slow progress of the £1.4m upgrade of Castle Douglas Swimming Pool.

John Young, Pauline Drysdale and Iain Howie have spoken out in frustration at the pace of work, which has been plagued by breakdowns, closures and setbacks.

Despite the council’s commitment to the £1.4m upgrade, they fear the facility may not be out of dangerous waters just yet.

Councillor Young said: “We are highly sceptical about how this process is being managed and we believe the matter is being deliberately delayed until after the next election (May 2027) when officers will be in a better position to pursue a closure policy with inexperienced members.”

A Gateway Two review, critical to the pool’s future, is scheduled for completion tomorrow and is expected to determine whether it can progress to its next stage, which would require more significant funding for a full business case.

Councillor Drysdale said: “We assume this must include the updated costs and we want to get hold of this information as soon as possible.

“The costs will no doubt have risen considerably and the significant delay in the project of three-plus years has been a key reason for this.”

Councillor Howie pointed to new Scottish Government commitments around swimming as further reason why the facility cannot be lost, adding: “We will all fight hard on this one as we categorically cannot lose our much loved local facility.”

Responding, a council spokesman said: “This project is being planned and programmed in line with the agreed timescales, which are to complete the full design development by the end of December and achieve site operational readiness in June 2027.

“Once further information is available, community conversations will be organised to ensure users of the facility are fully aware of work to be progressed, including timescales.”