A PETITION has been launched to make the voices of Stevenston heard after plans for the possible closure of Auchenharvie’s gym and swimming pool were released.

Started by Stevenston Community Councillor, David Rodger, it has already garnered over 1,000 signatures and calls on residents of the town and surrounding areas to oppose the closure because it would leave the town further deprived and lose ‘one of its main assets’.

David says: “The town of Stevenston, North Ayrshire, is officially the most deprived small town in Scotland, due to decades of neglect and council indifference.

“One of our main assets is our swimming pool and gym at Auchenharvie here. It is where many people come not only to get fit, but to enjoy themselves and socialise.

“They keep many people sane and they help to make life bearable. They foster community spirit. Yet, under the latest proposal by North Ayrshire Council, these vital leisure facilities are going to be closed and set up again in Ardrossan, an area not quite so deprived.

“Support our Stevenston councillors here and Stevenston Community Council in their fight to oppose this dismal and wrong-headed proposal. In order to make your signature count it is important that you reside in Stevenston (though people very nearby are welcome to sign).”

The petition was launched just days after the Herald reported that Stevenston Labour Councillor John Sweeney called for full consultation for Saltcoats and Stevenston into the new campus proposals and now his SNP counterpart Davina McTiernan is putting pressure on both Councillor Sweeney and fellow Labour Councillor Jimmy Miller to make their colleagues on the council’s Cabinet ‘pay attention’

Cllr McTiernan told the Herald: “I welcome the announcement that, at last, a new Ardrossan Academy is on the cards, but I am very unhappy to learn of the proposed closure of Harvies’ pool and fitness suites, which would appear to be a concomitant part of the plan. This facility is very popular and well used. I took my daughters there when they were younger.

“I will do everything I can to keep Harvies open, and I call on my fellow Stevenston councillors to join me in the fight.

“I respect Cllr Sweeney and Cllr Miller greatly, but they both now have to decide whose side they are on.

“The people of Stevenston want Harvies to remain, but the Labour Party wants to close the facilities. Cllr Sweeney and Cllr Miller should tell their Labour colleagues that the closure plan is unacceptable. I’m sure if the two Stevenston Labour councillors backed the people of Stevenston and indicated they would resign from the Labour Group if the plan to close Harvies is taken forward, then their Labour colleagues would certainly pay attention.

“I would urge everyone who have views on this proposal to make their views and voices known.”

To sign the petition, visit here.