Leisure facilities saved in budget
SPORTING facilities in Queensferry and Kirkliston were given a boost in last week’s city council budget.
The continuation of facilities in both areas has been safguarded for the short-term after the city council provided Edinburgh Leisure with an additional £890,000 funding to develop its services and prevent the need for any further closures.
The Kirkliston Leisure Centre, which is frequented by both Queensferry and Kirkiston residents, had up until recently been under threat of closure. A revision of opening hours earlier this month saw the facility given a stay of execution but the cash injection will ensure that the facility now remains open.
Almond councillor Norman Work said: “There had been fears over the future of Kirkliston but this additional funding to Edinburgh Leisure should safeguard the facility and continue business in Queensferry.”
Also in the budget, council tax was frozen for the fifth successive year to help maintain Edinburgh’s band D rate as the lowest in Scotland’s four major cities at just £1169; libraries across the city, including Queensferry, will receive £300,000 funding to upgrade and keep existing hours; council homes owners saw a 7.9 per cent increase in their rent, an increase of £5.91 taking it to £80.78 per week; £4.1m will reduce the repairs backlog for schools while a further £250,000 will fund additional schools books and other services.
Council leader Jenny Dawe said: “We listened when people told us where their priorities lie and I am pleased we are able to invest in services residents have told us that matter.”
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Weather for Queensferry
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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