MORAY MSP RICHARD LOCHHEAD has urged Councillors to find a way of ensuring a future for the Moray Leisure Centre.

The MSP expressed his concerns over the financial issues facing the centre that emerged yesterday – and said he had placed it at the top of his agenda for a meeting with the Chief Executive of Moray Council earlier this week.

Mr Lochhead said: “People who use the leisure centre and the staff who work there will be hugely concerned at the speculation over the future of the leisure centre.

“We simply cannot allow ourselves to be in the position where a community the size of Elgin is left without a swimming pool and leisure facilities. With the only ice rink in the area, the whole of Moray benefits from the centre and it is important that everyone involved explores all of the options to keep the leisure centre open.

“I raised my own concerns about the leisure centre with the Chief Executive of the Council earlier this week and impressed upon him the importance of supporting health and fitness facilities locally.

“It does seem that change is inevitable and with its current financial position that is for good reason, but it is absolutely vital that the doors remain open and that those involved find a way to provide continuity for both leisure centre users and the staff employed there.”