Dunfermline Press | Opinion | Carnegie Centre revamp is still the best option

Thursday, 21st August, 2008

Published: Monday, 7th July, 2008 15:10

Carnegie Centre revamp is still the best option

IN response to the campaign by MSP John Park and local councillors Willie Sullivan and Bill McCulloch in the Carnegie Leisure Centre upgrade, perhaps these Labour people were not around many years ago when people were crying out for better sports facilities.

Suggestions of a purpose-built centre in Dunfermline were discussed as long ago as the early 1970s.

This was at a time when clubs had to make do with poor quality facilities and the swimming pool closing on numerous occasions for refurbishment and maintenance.

I never at any time heard one complaint from any Labour councillor or the local MP.

Years of neglect by several Labour administrations held Dunfermline sports clubs back with these Victorian-style facilities.

Councillor Sullivan's idea that a new sports centre linked by a tunnel to the Glen Pavilion is so far removed from reality it's hard to imagine what cost he has for such a venture.

Upgrading the Carnegie sports complex, which has stood the test of time for over 100 years and has a facade that is listed and quite unique to the architecture and heritage of Dunfermline, is still the best option and importantly the most economical.

Of course, there would be an inconvenience to individuals, clubs and groups.

However, in previous years of closure, facilities were made available and I would like to think the same situation will happen again.

Councillor Gerry McMullan, Liberal Democrat

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