Petition to Protect Midlothian’s Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools

Dear [MP’s Name],

We, the undersigned residents of Midlothian, strongly oppose the proposed reduction in hours at Newtongrange Leisure Centre, the closure of Gorebridge Leisure Centre’s sports facilities on weekends, and the reduction of swimming pool hours across the county. These facilities are vital to our community, providing essential services that promote health, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

The proposed cuts will disproportionately impact many groups, including children, families, the elderly, disabled residents, and those who rely on local facilities for fitness, social interaction, and mental health support. We urge you to advocate for the protection of these important community spaces for the following reasons:

Community Wellbeing & Health – Access to sports centres and swimming pools is essential for physical and mental health. These facilities help combat obesity, reduce stress, and promote overall wellbeing. Cutting access would have long-term negative consequences for public health.
Mental Health & Post-Covid Recovery – The impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns has left many people struggling with their mental health. Leisure centres play a crucial role in recovery, providing a safe space for exercise, social interaction, and structure. Regular exercise is proven to reduce depression and anxiety, while also leading to fewer hospital admissions and longer life expectancy. Closing these facilities contradicts the urgent national focus on improving mental and physical health.
The Importance of Community & Personal Support – Unlike large commercial gyms, local leisure centres provide a personal touch that fosters emotional wellbeing. Staff know members by name, notice when they are absent or unwell, and provide a welcoming, supportive environment. This is especially important for people who live alone, as these connections offer a sense of belonging and community. One user of the centre shared:
"When I suffered an injury, the manager was incredibly kind, telling me I could come in anytime just to sit and chat. At a time when I was in such an emotional state, this support made a real difference to my wellbeing."
Tailored Service & Social Benefits – These small, community-based facilities offer a level of personalised service that larger gyms cannot. Staff know each client individually, allowing them to provide tailored advice and support. Many regulars use the gym as part of their daily social routine in small, familiar groups. In a larger facility, where they are not personally known, they may not feel as comfortable, leading to social isolation and reduced participation.
The Impact on Long-Standing Members – The council may suggest that residents can simply go to a different gym at the weekends, but for many—especially those who have built long-term routines and friendships—this is not an option. There are dedicated members who visit every morning, forming a key part of the gym’s community. They feel comfortable in their small, supportive environment, and losing it would be detrimental to their mental health. At a time when the nation’s mental health is at crisis levels, we should be protecting spaces that provide stability, not shutting them down.
Youth Engagement & Crime Prevention – Leisure centres provide safe spaces for young people to engage in positive activities, reducing the risk of antisocial behaviour. Closing these facilities at weekends will remove an important resource for youth development.
Access & Inclusion for Marginalized Groups – Many residents, including disabled people, the elderly, and those without private transport, rely on their nearest sports centre and pool. Directing them to alternative facilities further away is not a viable solution. Reduced access will disproportionately affect those who already face barriers to participation in sports and community activities.
Swimming Pool Access & Safety – Swimming is a critical life skill. Reducing pool hours limits opportunities for children to learn to swim and for adults to maintain their fitness. The cuts will also negatively impact swimming clubs, lessons, and public access to safe swimming environments.
Impact on Schools & After-School Clubs – Increasing the cost for after-school clubs to use council buildings will make it harder for them to operate, reducing affordable childcare options for working parents. This will place further strain on families and potentially force some clubs to close.
Economic & Social Impact – The closure of leisure centres will harm local businesses that rely on foot traffic from these facilities. Additionally, it makes Midlothian a less attractive place for families looking to live in a community with accessible public services.
Fairness & Membership Fees – Despite these service reductions, people are still paying the same membership fees. Will these members be refunded for the days they can no longer use their local centre? Will they be reimbursed for extra travel costs to access alternative facilities? It is unfair to ask residents to continue paying the same amount for a reduced service.
Public Services & Equality – Sports centres, swimming pools, and libraries are essential public services that benefit everyone, particularly those who cannot afford private alternatives. These cuts will deepen social inequalities and disproportionately harm marginalized groups, including disabled residents, low-income families, and older adults who depend on local services.
We understand the need for financial responsibility, but cutting essential community services is not the answer. As our elected representative, we ask you to:

Raise this issue with Midlothian Council and advocate on behalf of residents to keep these facilities open and fully accessible.
Seek clarification on what alternative funding options or cost-saving measures could be explored without cutting vital services.
Push for transparency on how membership fees will be affected and whether users will be reimbursed for lost access.
Ensure the voices of local residents, particularly those most affected by these changes, are heard in council discussions.
We would appreciate your response outlining how you plan to support our community on this issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Postcode]
[Signatures of Supporters]