The clear up is underway today at the leisure centre in Helensburgh, where the large area of blue on the roof is the part that was ripped off by the storm. Picture by Pedro
By Bill Heaney
Councillor Fiona Howard, who represents Helensburgh Central on Argyll and Bute Council, told residents: “Sadly the damage to.the leisure centre is worse than first thought and it could be out of action for some time.“Alternative venues for gym classes and so on will be sought. I will post updates as I get them.”
A tremor ran through the wallets and bank accounts of Christopher Johnstone and many other members of the many clubs attached to the centre.
Christopher said: “Anyone that has a direct debit for their membership SHOULD NOT be expected to pay. All accounts should be frozen. Untill the works are finished.”
Arlene Docherty asked: “Are we still expected to pay for swimming lessons? Or will the DD be frozen?”
And Gill Grant added: “I’m assuming membership fees will be suspended until the facility is back in use?”
Mairead Caesh said: “Understatement of the century.”
Ricky Escott suggested: “Could the circuit training / spin classes continue in Victoria Halls for example?
“It is a shame but I think most people will realise that membership for the place was a bargain and the instructors tip top.”
Lynn Weir said: “Surely the insurance will cover the costs and can start work immediately? Lots of people are paying DD for swimming lessons gym and classes membership – please advise when the work is expected to be completed and our leisure centre reopened.”
George McKenzie wrote on social media: “A blind man with a white stick could have told you that A&B council who [should be] really quick on the up take are at the cows tail again.”
Young mother, Laura Grace Honeyman, asked: “I have a direct debit about to start for baby swimming lessons. Can I stop this with bank? Or is there anyone answering calls about leisure centre we can speak to?”
Louise Cowan had a message for Cllr Howard: “Fiona can you ask ABC to turn the building the right way round please? So won’t happen again?”
Liz Wilson went straight to the point that appears to concern most people: “Fiona Howard can you confirm if the direct debit payments will be paused?”
Marie Crumlish wrote: “I honestly laughed for about a hour when she said it’ll be closed until Monday because everybody saw the videos by then .
“It’s so bad for all the staff and kids swimming lessons. It’s really not good!”
Rosalind Chew summed it up: “It’s not nice to see any structural damage but to be fair its nothing to what other countries have to go through and what they have gone through thank ourselves lucky.”
Scenes from the aftermath of the storm around Helensburgh
