Safety first! Leisure centres to close or have opening hours cut to allow for essential electrical works
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick is to shut for more than three weeks next month.
It's the latest in a series of unplanned closures, following a recent power cut and issues with the boiler; and is to allow for essential electrical work to be carried out.
Operator Live Borders is apologising for the disruption.
It revealed it's trying to relocate some fitness classes while the attraction is closed between March the 4th and 28th.
All memberships will be frozen - but its members will still be able to access its other venues during this time.
The opening hours at the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, Kelso Swimming Pool and Tweedbank Sports Complex are also affected.
A spokesperson for the trust said: "Every five years the facilities are required to undergo an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). This is a legal requirement involving an extensive inspection of wiring throughout the properties.
"To undertake these extensive works it is necessary for the (Teviotdale Leisure) Centre to fully close, both for the safety of staff and the public."
Concerns have been raised over the impact the Hawick closure could have on the climax to the indoor bowling season.
The Live Borders statement goes on: "All membership payments will be frozen for Teviotdale Leisure Centre over the closure period." And it adds: "All members will still be able to access all our swimming pools, gyms or fitness classes at any of our other locations."
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Elsewhere, the opening hours at Kelso Swimming Pool will be reduced from March 4th to 8th, with the centre instead opening at 3.30pm each day.
The same goes for the gym and changing rooms at Tweedbank Sports Complex, which won't open until 4pm, between March 12th and 14th. The 2G pitch and running track are not affected.
And the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles will be closed until 4pm between February 19th and 23rd.
Eyemouth Leisure Centre also remains closed while emergency repairs are carried out to its heating and air handling system.
Live Borders adds: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
Meanwhile, it's claimed Peebles swimming pool shouldn't have been closed for as long as it was following a malicious fire in 2022.
A report being presented to councillors next week reveals a series of failings, which led to some swimmers having to travel outwith the region for over a year.
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