Leisure centre closure plan sparks anger

ANGRY villagers have taken aim at Dumfries and Galloway Council after it was revealed that their community leisure centre is being threatened by proposed council budget cuts.

Kelloholm residents are furious that the closure of Hillview Leisure Centre has been included in a shortlist of potential cost-cutting measures drawn up by council chiefs.

The busy leisure facility operates Monday-Friday, and includes a gym and fitness suite, an indoor sports hall, rooms for hire for meetings and parties, a play park, and an outdoor multi-use games area with a 3G surface.

No decisions have been made, but the local authority is exploring many unpopular options because it needs to make around £35 million of savings over the next three years.

The public is being asked for feedback as part of a consultation on next year’s budget – and Kelloholm residents have made their feelings clear over Hillview.

The council posted on its Facebook page last week, sharing the online form for the public to have their say on the budget consultation. The post was shared 110 times and sparked angry responses from members of the public.

Claira Frew, from Dumfries, wrote: “Closing Hillview is not an option. It’s a ridiculous and narrow minded proposal.

“Hillview is much-needed and a very valued community hub – far more than just a leisure facility.

“It’s used by many different groups, outreach programmes and families on a daily basis.”

Mandy Rorison added: “Closing Hillview is just insane. It’s the only good thing left in the village used by many.”

Dumfries man Barry Robertson wrote: “I note the council have opted to avoid having a community conversation at Hillview. Speaks volumes, this should be reviewed.”

Charlie Morrison got straight to the point, commenting: “Don’t shut Hillview Leisure Centre!”

Other budget saving options include scrapping free music lessons at schools for pupils, ending funding for the Youth Beatz festival, reducing bin collections and closing schools.

Council leader Stephen Thompson posted a video message online, saying: “Like all councils across Scotland, we’re facing financial challenges. Additional employer costs, inflationary pressures, and increasing demand for services all put significant strain on the current council funding model.

“We’ve already made substantial savings in recent years, but we still need to find £35 million more over the next three years to balance the budget and protect essential services. This figure does not include any council tax increases that were tentatively planned by the council for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

“But even with any additional income from council tax, the council will still face a significant budget challenge.

“Councillors have agreed to consult early and openly this year so that everyone in our region can have their say before decisions are made.”