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Moray Council urged not to close Forres Community Centre by more than 1600 petition backers





The closure of an “indispensable” community centre would be a “huge loss”, a campaigner has warned, as more than 1600 people back her petition to protect it.

It has been revealed that a report commissioned by Moray Council singled out Forres House Community Centre for its poor financial performance and repeatedly discussed the prospect of its closure.

The report indicates that Forres House Community Centre could face closure…Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
The report indicates that Forres House Community Centre could face closure…Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Written by consultants, the Moray Sports and Leisure Review also argues that the centre’s closure would have “no impact” on the accessibility of sports halls - as service users could “migrate” elsewhere.

Moray Council has not drawn up plans for which local sports and leisure facilities should be closed or restructured.

However, the review repeatedly indicates that the centre could form part of “necessary” changes to local services required to balance the council’s budget.

Describing Moray’s current facilities as “unsustainable in this current financial climate”, the document warns that maintaining sites will require £27 million of capital spending in coming years - with just £7.8 million available.

In less than 24 hours, more than 1600 people backed a petition launched by Forres resident Emma Ritchie to protect Forres House Community Centre from closure.

The community centre contains a sports hall, community centre facilities, a library, a cafe and multipurpose rooms for community groups.

Last year, the centre celebrated its 50th birthday.

In her online petition, campaigner Ms Ritchie argues that the “well-used” centre delivers “immeasurable” benefits to young and old users across a range of activities.

She also praised the facility for its role in tackling isolation in the community, by offering local people chances to experience regular social interaction.

“This centre is an indispensable part of the Forres community and its surrounding areas,” Ms Ritchie said.

“It caters to a wide range of needs and interests, not just serving as a hub for learning and fitness, but equally as a place of comfort and social interaction.

“Clearly, the centre is well-utilised, being fully booked on most occasions.

“It’s of huge benefit to the physical and mental health of those who use it, and prevents people from feeling isolated by supporting them to join local groups.

“Closing this facility would represent a huge loss to our community.”

In comments underneath the online petition, dozens of locals have shared their frustration and sadness over the closure threat facing the community centre.

The Moray Sports and Leisure Review was presented at a full meeting of Moray Council last week.

Along with agreeing to increase service charges, councillors agreed to note the report, to agree a draft weighting that will “give direction” when deciding whether to close sites, and to hold a closed-doors workshop to draw up a plan for possible closures.

Also contained in the review were proposals for “hub models”, which could see more than half of the county’s indoor sites could close.

Moray Council leader Councillor Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative) said: “The transformation of all of our services is crucial to us being able to sustain our offer of things like leisure facilities.

“A full-scale independent review of the leisure service, taking into account public views through consultation as well, was the right action to take and the result is we have a clear direction on how we can transform our offering in Moray.

“Ultimately, we want our leisure estate to work for Moray communities while meeting public health needs in terms of wellbeing.

“I look forward to seeing the future recommendations that will come forward to council after full consideration of this review.”


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