South Ayrshire Council News

Military personnel, who are currently involved in active military service and are residents of South Ayrshire will now be able to use some South Ayrshire Council leisure facilities for free until 31 March 2009.

The Support Our Soldiers (SoS) organisation approached the Council and asked if free use of leisure facilities could be provided for military personnel, so that they could maintain their fitness levels while on leave. A similar request was made by SoS to North and East Ayrshire Council's.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of the Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services said: "Members of the Leadership Panel considered the request by Support Our Solders very carefully. A number of men and women who live in South Ayrshire are serving in the armed forces on active service in various parts of the world. It seemed reasonable to assist them to maintain their physical fitness when they are at home, for much needed rest and recuperation. That is why the Panel has taken a decision to make some of the Council leisure facilities available to them for free.

'I think that we have struck a balance between providing some free facilities for a very special group of people and ensuring that paying clients are not disrupted.'

Residents in South Ayrshire who are involved in active military service will be able to use the following facilities for free, when they produce their military identification and leave pass:

• Council swimming pools during public swimming sessions.
• Genesis Gymnasia during off peak times.
• Dam Park Stadium.
• Squash courts.