SAVE JOHN SMITH POOL AIRDRIE – Stop the Managed Decline and Closure by Stealth

For six months, Airdrie's John Smith Pool (JSP) has been left to deteriorate whilst North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) is quietly neglecting this community asset through managed decline and closure by stealth.

Despite repeated assurances that all leisure facilities would remain operational until 2027, JSP remains shut, with no commitment to reopen. Meanwhile, NLC continues to inflate costs, delay responses and ignore community concerns.

Jim Logue’s Statement to the media on 18/06/2025:

North Lanarkshire Council leader, Jim Logue, claims: “the indicative repair costs for John Smith Pool are significantly higher than anticipated, estimating them at £1 million for long-term repair”. He further states “the council cannot spend money it does not have.” Implying that financial constraints are the primary barrier to reopening the pool.

The results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to NLC in May 2025 suggests a different reality. 

NLC were asked to provide:

1. Cost of the repair within John Smith Pool.
   2. Reports on the cost of repair.
   3. Whether the insurance has agreed liability to repair the damage.
   4. Expected timescales of repair work.

1. The £1 Million Figure Would Appear to be unsubstantiated 

• An FOI request revealed that the actual reopening cost is closer to £300,000, with most of it recoverable through insurance!
(However, additional repairs including grout repair work between the pool tiling was quoted at a cost of £60,000–£135,000. This would have to be met separately, using the council budget.)

• The £1 million figure has  no supporting documentation – NLC provided unredacted reports from private contractors outlining the stated repair estimates but did not provide any documents relating to a £1 million spend.

2. The Council Has the Money—It’s a Matter of Priorities

• Logue’s claim that the council “cannot spend money it does not have” ignores the fact that NLC recently raised council tax, generating additional revenue. Furthermore, 1% of this increase has been allocated to the Community Investment Fund (CIF), which could be used to support JSP’s reopening.

3. Why has it taken so long?

• Despite having these figures since February 2025, NLC has refused to act, preferring instead to stall, deflect, and push JSP toward permanent closure. Why has this matter not been discussed at a single council committee meeting?
 

Community Devastation – This Pool Is a Lifeline

John Smith Pool serves as a vital community hub, supporting:

• Airdrie and Monklands Swimming Club - The club currently has 50 members ranging from 8-20 years old and if JSP were open there would be capacity to facilitate up to 100 members. The club provides a sporting pathway to elite competition, supports community inclusion and creates career pathways through Leadership programmes for our young adults. The club also provides the chance for children to keep active, learn a life skill, and to look after their physical and mental health in a fun and positive environment.
• 800 children in the Learn to Swim Programme (LTS).
• 300 primary school pupils receiving swimming lessons (10 local primary schools).
• Additional Support Needs Charities, NLC Disability Sports Programme, Girls Brigade and more.
• Sessions for the general public, which are well attended. 

Enough Is Enough – Demand Action Now!

Join us in demanding:

• Immediate reopening of JSP, using existing funds and insurance recoveries.
• Full transparency on costs, funding sources, and council decision-making.
• No more delays, no more deflections—just action.
 

Sign the Petition – SAVE JOHN SMITH POOL AIRDRIE