Alternative arrangements put in place for Whitburn swimmers

Jul 28 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

INVESTIGATIONS are still on-going to see whether the rest of Whitburn Leisure Centre can be saved after a blaze destroyed the swimming pool.

The swimming pool will be completely demolished but it has still to be determined whether the fitness centre which adjoined it is structurally safe.

In the meantime West Lothian Council have announced that Whitburn Academy swimming pool is to open to the public from today (Thursday), including free swimming for young people aged 15 and under.

Robin Strang, general manager of West Lothian Leisure, said: “Since the fire we have been working closely with West Lothian Council to find a way of continuing to provide a service for the local community. We are delighted to be able to confirm that we can use Whitburn Academy’s pool for the remainder of the school summer holidays and during term time for the foreseeable future.”

West Lothian Council’s Executive councillor for culture and leisure Jim Walker, commented: “We know that Xcite Whitburn has been very well used and is popular with local people and it’s particularly valued by young people, parents and carers who have been taking advantage of free swimming during the school holidays. I’m sure that the news that the swimming pool at Whitburn Academy will be opened up for community use from 10am to 3.30pm during the week for the remainder of the holidays will be warmly welcomed by the community.”

Robin Strang added: “We are now looking for a way of providing temporary access to our fitness services locally and we hope to make an announcement about this soon.”

The swimming pool at Whitburn Academy will be open to the public from 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, for the remainder of the school holidays. Swimming lessons will be from 4pm to 7pm seven days a week for the school holidays and during term time for the foreseeable future.

A number of items were removed from the lockers and taken to Whitburn Police Station. Customers who were evacuated from the pool are being asked to check at Whitburn Police Station to see whether their items have been recovered.

Customers wishing to make a claim for lost property should write to West Lothian Leisure, Xcite Bathgate, Balbardie Park, Torphichen Road, Bathgate, EH48 4LA.

Information on the Xcite Whitburn will be posted online: www.westlothianleisure.com customers wishing to rebook classes and check memberships, should telephone: 01506 776028 or email: info@westlothianleisure.com.

Meanwhile, the committee of the Trojan Swimming Club, whose 80 members use Whitburn swimming pool four times a week, are looking to put in place alternative arrangements for their swimmers.

The club were due to start back next week and the committee will contact members to let them know the new arrangements as soon as possible.