A LEISURE centre which closed in August amid safety fears could finally reopen in the new year.

Neilston Leisure Centre closed after fears were raised about the safety of its air- conditioning system.

Now East Renfrewshire Council have promised an update on the future of the Centre at a public meeting at 7.15pm on January 10 at the Glen Hall in Neilston.

The meeting takes place a week before elected members of East Renfrewshire Council discuss a report on the centre.

The report is based on a survey of the work needing done and the results of a consultation with leisure centre customers, Neilston Development Trust and Neilston Community Council.

Senior officers from East Renfrewshire Council will be on hand at the meeting to talk through the options on the future of the centre that will be detailed in the report.

East Renfrewshire Council closed Neilston Leisure Centre in August after worries around the centre's air-conditioning and the pool's circulation system.

Head of service at East Renfrewshire Council, Ken McKinlay said: "The council's decision to close the centre was precautionary and taken purely to remove risk to the public.

"The air-handling system in the centre needs to be replaced and there was the possibility of other maintenance issues due to the age of the building. Given the issues highlighted, it was prudent to close the building and look at all the issues.

"The report going to Cabinet on January 17 will set out a number of options.

"Once the councillors have considered the report we will get involved in more detailed consultation and put forward a timetable for the centre."

In August, the council said: "After much careful deliberation, the decision has been taken to close Neilston Pool from August 31 to undertake essential maintenance works.

"It is expected that the pool will remain closed temporarily for up to three months.

"We understand that this will result in considerable inconvenience for our regular users and clubs, particularly for those participating in swimming lessons, how-ever the health and wellbeing of our pool visitors is our main priority and the quality of the service we provide is paramount."

ewan.fergus@ heraldandtimes.co.uk