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Olympian's first pool under threat of closure

PA Swimmer Lucy HopePA
Lucy Hope in action during the recent Paris Olympics

The leisure pool where Olympian Lucy Hope learned to swim has come under threat of closure.

Despite extensive fundraising Laidlaw Memorial Pool in Jedburgh, near the 27-year-old's family home in Crailing, has racked up considerable debts.

Surging fuel costs and a reduction in users since the pandemic are being blamed for the financial problems.

George Burt from the operators, Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust (JLFT), said: "Last year, alone, we taught 1,200 children to swim - but we have hugely increased energy bills that we can't be expected to cope with."

The Lawson Memorial Pool
The Lawson Memorial Pool in Jedburgh also features a gymnasium and soft-play area

Lucy Hope has become one of Scotland's most successful female swimmers, with a growing collection of European gold medals.

She has also become a mainstay of the GB freestyle relay teams - having recently helped both the 4x100m and 4x200m squads both reach finals at the Paris Olympics.

As with most children in the Jedburgh area, she learned to swim at the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.

The centre has been operated by volunteers since 2003, with Scottish Borders Council providing an annual management fee.

Mr Burt added: "We are a social enterprise, run by and for the people of Jedburgh.

"We operate frugally with affordable prices and low overheads and we have been very successful in the 21 years - investing almost £700,000 in improvements."

Trustees were warned by their accountants on Tuesday that unless the financial situation can be resolved quickly they would become insolvent.

A fresh appeal has now been made to Scottish Borders Council as well as the community for further financial support to keep the pool open.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton

Meetings are to take place over the coming days between the local authority and trustees.

On top of providing the annual management fee, Scottish Borders Council recently granted a one-off £100,000 to the trust for energy-efficiency capital projects such as solar roof panels and insulation.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said: "While we don't want a closure, we have to make sure that if we spend tax payers' money it is done in a sustainable and proper manner.

"There are ways that the council and the trust can work together to rescue the facility.

"The pool has been a great asset to the community for many, many years, and nobody wants to lose it."