Politicians will fight 'tooth and nail' to stop closure of Howden Park and swimming pools

dailyrecord.co.uk:

West Lothian’s politicians say they will fight “tooth and nail” against the proposed closures of Howden Park Centre and three swimming pools.Hannah Bardell MP said the plans are “devastating” to the people who work there and the entire community.She said the suggestion of closing Howden Park Centre, Xcite Livingston (Bubbles) and Xcite Broxburn - all in her constituency - was simply unbelievable.Ms Bardell continued: “These venues and their staff are vital for the well-being of our community.

I have witnessed first-hand, the dedication and passion shown by staff who work at all the affected venues.“Howden Park Centre is also especially important for those who are living on their own such as elderly residents.

Losing this facility would have a huge impact on the well-being of the community.“As your local MP I will fight tooth and nail to save these sits and look at all options available.

I have today met with staff at Howden Park, and they are understandably in deep shock. I will be meeting with all staff across sites in my constituency asap and seeking meetings and answers from West Lothian Council and West Lothian Leisure.”“It is time for our communities to stand up and speak out against these cuts”.Xcite Armadale and Broxburn Swimming Pool are both in MSP Fiona Hyslop’s constituency.She shared Hannah Bardell’s sentiments and said: “I share the concerns of many of my Constituents about the potential closure of important leisure facilities across West Lothian, which includes two within my own Constituency - Xcite Armadale and Broxburn Swimming Pool.“Although West Lothian has better swimming pool provision than elsewhere in Scotland the lack of buses mean that it is unreasonable to expect people to travel distances to