Speaking during General Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Martin Whitfield MSP has again raised East Lothian Council’s challenging financial circumstances and the concerning situation facing the Loch Centre in Tranent.

The South Scotland MSP highlighted the importance of community facilities for participating in sport and physical activity, like the Loch Centre, and asked the Scottish Government about the need for national political and practical support for funding and maintaining such facilities.

In his reply to Mr Whitfield’s question Joe Fitzpatrick, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, agreed he was making a strong point and said that the government understands there are particular challenges with maintaining community sports and leisure facilities.

The Minister also accepted that local authorities are experiencing challenging financial circumstances, but he did not specifically reference the Loch Centre in either of his responses to Mr Whitfield.

Speaking after his question, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I know that communities in and around Tranent feel very strongly about the need to ensure the swimming pool at the Loch Centre re-opens and has a sustainable future.

“It is a vitally important resource for the health and wellbeing of local people and we must explore every avenue to find the funding to make the repairs that are required.

“I will keep raising this issue with the Scottish Government and emphasise the importance of fair funding for East Lothian to help ensure all the county’s essential services and facilities have the resources they need.”

The full text of Mr Whitfield’s questions and the Minister’s answers can be found here.