A PETITION looking to thwart the potential closure of the facilities housing Clackmannanshire’s only public swimming pool is reaching critical mass.

More than 4,000, at the time of writing, have signed a change.org petition after a proposal to terminate the Alloa Leisure Bowl contract was published by Clackmannanshire Council.

The move would save the council, where officers are scrambling to find around £11m of savings for the upcoming 2019-20 budget, £273,000 this year and the same in 2020-21.

However, the council’s budget engagement document notes that: “This could result in the closure of the centre.”

Popular facilities at the Leisure Bowl include the swimming pool where Alloa Swimming Club trains, the indoor bowling green where most local clubs play during the colder months and two gyms with classes among other things.

It also features a café where people can gather and socialise.

Come September, when the contract would be up if the proposed cut makes the final budget, around 80 people could be made redundant.

One of them is David Clarkson, a poolside supervisor and trainer assessor for lifeguards.

He warned drowning is the “third highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK”, according to the Royal Life Saving Society.

And added: “If this is to go ahead then we would be one of the only counties in the UK not to have a swimming pool.”

Indeed, Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy for 2018-26 puts a clear emphasis on the need for children to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience to keep themselves safe in the country’s waterways.

A swimming pool also operates at Dollar Academy, but this is private baths for pupils and some external groups.

While the building is owned by the council, it is managed by the Mulraney Group following a tender in 2009.

Owner Mike Mulraney said: “It’s not our decision to make, it’s a council decision.

“Our agreement with them is to September 2019, if they determine that they don’t want to continue beyond that period, that’s a decision for them.

“But, unfortunately we are not in control.”

He added: “It would be approximately 80 people that would be facing redundancy under that circumstance.

“Should the council determine that this is a cut that they think is appropriate, then we will look at all means available to mitigate the impact on our community.

“We are, however, currently undertaking discussions with the council to see if a strategy can be developed to ensure the Leisure Bowl is retained.

“Again, however, I can assure the public that we are working in the meantime to mitigate any adverse impact on our community of any council decision.”

It is understood MP Luke Graham has also met Leisure Bowl staff last week.