The John Wright Sports Centre in East Kilbride has been a cornerstone of our community for many years, providing a wide array of facilities to support health and wellness for people of all ages. An integral part of this centre is its crèche, which offers essential childcare services to parents who are striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle while managing their family responsibilities.

The crèche allows parents to attend fitness classes,gym or simply take some much-needed time for self-care, all while ensuring their children are safe, engaged, and looked after by professional staff. It is a vital resource for young families, giving them the flexibility to pursue personal well-being without compromising their family duties. The closure of this facility will disproportionately affect parents, particularly mothers, who rely heavily on this support to integrate physical activity into their daily routines.

Moreover, the crèche at John Wright Sports Centre fosters a sense of community. It provides a unique social environment for young children, helping them develop social skills and make friends. This early social interaction is crucial for their development and well-being.

Closing the crèche would not only disrupt the lives of these families but also undermine efforts to promote community health and cohesion. Studies have shown that access to convenient childcare significantly increases the likelihood of regular exercise among parents, contributing to overall better health outcomes.

We urge the decision-makers of the John Wright Sports Centre and local authorities in East Kilbride to reconsider the closure of the crèche. One potential solution to address budget constraints could be exploring partnerships with local businesses or community organisations to subsidise costs. Additionally, implementing a tiered pricing model could make the service sustainable by adjusting fees from £3.30 to say £5 to get additional staff.

The closure will have far-reaching impacts that extend beyond mere inconvenience, affecting the mental and physical health of families who rely on it. We ask for your support to keep this invaluable service open. Please sign this petition to protect the crèche and continue fostering health and well-being in our community especially those who have little to no family to look after their wee ones for neeeded exercise or well being.