TWO local councillors are calling on the Cowdenbeath Area Committee to explore options for increasing access to sports facilities at Lochgelly High School Community Use.

Councillors Mark Hood and Alex Campbell have put forward a motion to this Wednesday's meeting requesting officers to bring forward proposals that would increase opening hours to the newly refurbished sports facilities at the High School.

Mr Hood, who represents Lochgelly and Cardenden ward, said “We have invested £200,000 in new sports facilities at the school and we want to ensure that these facilities are open to the community as much as possible.

“It makes no sense to me having the swimming pool, new gym, spin studio and 3G pitches closed to the community when they can be getting used”.

Lochs Councillor, Alex Campbell added, “Improving the health and wellbeing of the people in our area is a key priority for the committee, by first improving local facilities and now increasing access, we hope, to encourage more people to get physically active and live a healthy lifestyle.” Mr Hood concluded, “We will be seeking the views of the local communities in Benarty and Lochgelly to get an ideal of how best we should use increased access to the facilities.

“For example should we hold more targeted programmes for children or would it be better to make it more flexible with drop-in sessions for everyone. It would be great to get the public’s views”.

Our picture shows both councillors in the new fitness gym.

Their motion states, “The Area Committee recognises the importance of sport and physical activity in addressing inequalities in our communities. Key to getting local people active is giving them access to the best facilities available. The committee also welcomes the completion of £200k refurbishment of Lochgelly community use school facilities and the increase that there has been in visits.

“The area committee requests officers produce a report that gives the committee options for a pilot project that extends access to Lochgelly HS CUS after school, on Saturdays and during the summer holidays. Included in the report would be options for funding the pilot”.