Support floods in to save pools

Oct 7 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

PROTESTORS who are battling to sink controversial plans to close two swimming pools say backing for their campaign is now ‘flooding’ in.

Members of the Johnstone and Elderslie Save our Swimming Pools (JESS) group have launched an online petition, which has attracted a wave of support.

More than 100 people have already signed the petition, which calls on Renfrewshire Council to pull the plug on plans to close the pools in Elderslie and Johnstone and replace them with new facilities at Johnstone High School and in Linwood.

Elderslie woman Lorraine Brown, of JESS, said: “Although we are leading the public campaign, the only thing the councillors are seeing are a group of about 30 people who are making a fuss and, in their eyes, it is not enough to get them to change their minds.

“That’s why we want members of the public to sign the petition, as well as contacting their local councillor by telephone, letter and e-mail or by going along to their surgeries.

“They need to let them know the strength of feeling in Johnstone, Elderslie and Renfrewshire as a whole regarding this outrageous decision.

“We are confident we can get councillors to change their minds if enough pressure is put on them from the public.”

Council chiefs have defended their multi-million pound leisure shake-up, claiming that Johnstone town centre is to be regenerated as part of the plans and that the new facilities will be good for both communiies.

But the move has outraged many residents in Elderslie and Johnstone, who claim the heart will be ripped out of their towns.

They are worried that the Johnstone High School location isn’t close enough to the town centre and that small businesses in the town centre will suffer if the existing pool is closed.

And Elderslie residents are concerned about the impact the closure of their pool will have on the village, which also lost its library last year.

Among those who have signed the online petition is Pastor Arthur O’Malley, from East Gate Church, in Stoddard Square, Elderslie.

He said: “As the pastor of East Gate Church and having seen the effects of the closure of Elderslie Library on the local community and businesses, I think it would be a great mistake to allow the pool to close.”

Johnstone woman Ann MacMillan added: “I am disgusted that the council had the arrogance to make a major decision on the entire heart of two communities without consulting either area.”

The petition has also attracted support from campaigners who fought – unsuccessfully – against the closure of Govanhill Baths.

Danny Alderslowe, from Glasgow, said: “As a campaigner for Govanhill Baths, I have witnessed all the negative effects forced on the surrounding communities. I support you all the way.”

To sign the petition, visit the website at www.jess-campaign.org.uk and follow the link.