Service at swimming pool branded second rate

A FRUSTRATED councillor has demanded to know why users of Castle Douglas Swimming Pool are not receiving the same level of customer service as at DG1 in Dumfries.

John Young, who represents Castle Douglas and Crocketford, this week insisted his town swimming facility is treated like “the poor relation” by council chiefs.

He complained after Castle Douglas Swimming Pool – which is under threat due to proposed budget savings options – was closed most of last month.

Speaking at Tuesday’s education, skills, and community wellbeing committee, Councillor Young said: “It was closed an awful lot more than it was opened in January.

“It was brought to my attention that the pool at DG1 had a problem, and you compare the notice they sent out to users to ours.”

The SNP Councillor then read out a public notice recently issued by management at the DG1 leisure complex about their closure.

It noted that the centre’s reception was trying to get in contact with everyone to organise alternative sessions or refunds and was being proactive in communications.

Praising them, he said: “That’s an excellent update on the situation there. It’s sad that we don’t get that at Castle Douglas.

“With the pool being closed most of January, we still don’t know that people who pay a monthly fee to use the pool are going to get a refund.

“If we’re following a ‘one-council’ mantra, then surely the communication should be of the same standard.

“I do feel Castle Douglas Swimming Pool is very much the poor relation in leisure facilities in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Replying, council officer Harry Hay said: “We are indeed all one in leisure and sport. In this instance, we should ensure the same timeous message is sent.

“The challenge we’ve got is that the condition and age of the facilities at CD are somewhat in contrast to the facilities we’ve got at DG1.

“Councillor Young is quite right that during January the council really struggled, despite best endeavours to get the necessary essential repairs done to the facility.

“I’m glad to say the facility is now up and running, and it continues to be closely monitored by our colleagues in property, leisure, and any external contractor we need to bring in.”