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<li>SCOTSTOUN LEISURE CENTRE: Swimming pool closed and creche facilities stopped.<br><li>THE BRIDGE, EASTERHOUSE: Teaching or kids'pool closed for retiling.<br><li>NORTH WOODSIDE LEISURE CENTRE: Sauna and spa pool closed.<br><li>POLLOK LEISURE CENTRE: Completely closed.<br><li>DONALD DEWAR LEISURE CENTRE in Drumchapel: No sports coach available, kids being bussed to Blairdardie Sports Pavilion.<br><li>DRUMCHAPEL POOL: No creche facilities available.<br><li>GORBALS AND BELLAHOUSTON LEISURE CENTRES: Restricted and unclear opening times for flumes.<br>
  • SCOTSTOUN LEISURE CENTRE: Swimming pool closed and creche facilities stopped.
  • THE BRIDGE, EASTERHOUSE: Teaching or kids'pool closed for retiling.
  • NORTH WOODSIDE LEISURE CENTRE: Sauna and spa pool closed.
  • POLLOK LEISURE CENTRE: Completely closed.
  • DONALD DEWAR LEISURE CENTRE in Drumchapel: No sports coach available, kids being bussed to Blairdardie Sports Pavilion.
  • DRUMCHAPEL POOL: No creche facilities available.
  • GORBALS AND BELLAHOUSTON LEISURE CENTRES: Restricted and unclear opening times for flumes.
  •  

    Exclusive by Catriona Stewart

    A THIRD of leisure centres across Glasgow have been affected by closures leaving kids without facilities for the school break.

    Six of the city's 18 sports and recreation centres have been forced to shut sections or make alternative arrangements for youngsters.

    Three of the 10 public swimming pools are shut or partly shut with creches, steam rooms and spa pools also out of action.

    Parents and swimmers today blasted the closures which include:

  • The swimming pool at Scotstoun closed indefinitely because of structural problems.

  • Pollok Pool due to reopen for the holidays but still shut.

  • The kids' pool at Easterhouse's The Bridge closed for retiling in December and still shut.

    Reader Poll
    Following fury over the closure of leisure facilities during the holidays, is Culture & Sport Glasgow running the city’s swimming pools well?
    Yes
    11.9%
    No
    86.1%
    Don't know
    2.0%

    Both Drumchapel Pool and Scotstoun Leisure Centre have also stopped their creche facilities, claiming customers failed to use them.

    The track and field area at Scotstoun is also closed off as part of an ongoing £1.3million upgrade.

    And Donald Dewar Leisure Centre in Drumchapel, which offers a selection of holiday activities for schoolkids, doesn't have a sports coach to take the classes.

    Bosses at the centre have been forced to bus children to Blairdardie Sports Pavilion to take part in their Gladiators programme instead.

    North Woodside Leisure Centre has also had to close its spa pool and sauna for repairs.

    Gorbals and Bellahouston Leisure Centres both have flumes at their swimming pools but the rides don't open until the afternoon - and even then only at certain times.

    People are fed up being turned away'

    Easterhouse's The Bridge opened 18 months ago and is usually bustling at the start of the summer holidays, but today it is very quiet indeed.

    Michelle Fitzpatrick, 26, used to use the centre but became fed up with constant closures.

    The chef said: "The Bridge hasn't even been open that long and already parts of it have had to be closed and done up again.

    "They shut the sauna and steam room to be retiled and now the wean's pool is the same.

    "I'd love to know what the problem is. People are getting fed up with coming down here to be turned away again."

    Dad Gary Connell had taken his son Craig, four, to The Bridge pool only twice before it was shut down.

    The 33-year-old said: "Craig really liked it but we haven't been back because there's always a problem.

    "It's ridiculous the pool couldn't have been opened again for the weans to use in the holidays.

    "There's nowhere else really handy for us to go to."

    On the other side of the city, Peter McNulty was at Scotstoun Leisure Centre for his weekly swim.

    The 27-year-old uses the centre three times a week and wasn't aware the pool had closed.

    Labourer Peter said: "They haven't been very good at giving people information about the closure.

    "It's especially bad for the kids."

    Mum Stacey Thomson, from Scotstoun, brings her daughters and her niece swimming to Scotstoun several times a week.

    Her youngest daughter, Olivia, is booked in for a course of swimming lessons, set to start next week.

    The dinner lady said: "No one got in touch to tell us the pool was closed.

    "They haven't told us what will happen with the swimming lessons. I've already paid for them and Olivia was really looking forward to them."

    Kids can't play on the flumes until noon. Once open, the flumes are only in use on the hour for thirty minutes.

    Neither centre has signs up to explain the restricted opening times with many families left to think the flumes are simply shut.

    Staff are unable to explain why the flumes are not open constantly.

    Matthew Bull is a school sports coach and uses Scotstoun Pool, which opened 15 years ago, daily. He was shocked to learn the pool closed at the end of last week, as revealed in Saturday's Evening Times.

    Experts have been drafted in to look at suspected structural problems with a further announcement on how long it will be out of bounds expected next week.

    Matthew said: "It's a real shambles. There's no excuse for the pool being the way it is, particularly at the start of the holidays."

    Mum Kayleigh Cameron, from Partick, takes exercise classes at Scotstoun several times a week.

    The closure of the creche has left her struggling to find arrangements for her daughter Katy, 20 months.

    The 22-year-old said: "I was taking classes here but I don't know what I'll do with Katy now the creche has stopped."

    Over at Easterhouse's The Bridge the teaching pool closed last December for essential tile replacement - even though the centre had only been open for 18 months. The adult pool is still open.

    SNP councillor John Mason slammed the closures, saying families had been "let down" by Culture and Sport Glasgow.

    "The Bridge has only just opened. It seems ridiculous for this to happen during the holidays.

    "I think it's a big let down to families in the area."

    Pollok Leisure Centre closed in February last year for a major renovation.

    The refurbishment was due to be completed for the start of the holidays but work was delayed when engineers discovered a major fault in the roof.

    A spokesman for Glasgow City Council, which still runs the Pollok facility, said: "A tile cleaning operation is soon to be undertaken to ensure the pool is in absolutely the best possible condition when it does reopen."

    A spokesman for Culture and Sport Glasgow, which runs the other centres, said the closures were "essential".


    Sports coach Matthew Bull

    Stacey Thomson, right, with her daughters Lauren, Jennifer and Olivia, have been left disappointed by the Scotstoun closure

    Gary Connell and son Craig stopped going to The Bridge because it was so often shut

    Michelle Fitzpatrick would love to know why The Bridge has been dogged by problems

    The closure of Scotstoun creche has left mum Kayleigh without care for Katy
    He said: "The learner pool at The Bridge has been closed since December 2007 for essential tile works. The main pool is open. We are hopeful the work will be completed by September.

    "Creche facilities continue to operate at Bellahouston and Tollcross Leisure Centres, however the facility at Drumchapel Creche has always closed over Christmas, Bank and summer holidays."

    The latest closures come after the Gorbals Leisure Centre was shut for six months after it was discovered tiles lining the pool were not waterproof. It reopened in June 2006.

    Pictures: Kirk O'Rourke

  • Publication date 04/07/08

    Posted by: Eric Flack, Drumchapel on 11:07am Fri 4 Jul 08
    Blairdardie Sports Pavilion roof leaks in wet weather and the main hall has to be shut due to this. Contractors have been busy trying to rectify this problem. Hopefully the problem has been solved. However the Pavilion is old and needs upgrading.
    Posted by: Sydney Meriwether, Glasgow on 11:19am Fri 4 Jul 08
    Another New Labour initiative, inspired by greed and driven by incompetence, which has miserably failed to deliver even remotely close to its financial projections.

    Of course the board at Culture and Sport Glasgow will not be too worried as Liz Cameron got the ET Woman of the year prize for her outstanding contribution to the revenues of local airplane operators, and The Right Honourable Norman Somerville Macfarlane, Baron of Bearsden, KT, DL, was chuffed to see that his collection of Glasgow Boys paintings will sky-rocket in value following the forthcoming Glasgow Boys exhibition at the Kelvingrove.

    See:

    csglasgow.org.uk
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 11:25am Fri 4 Jul 08

    Finally we see criticism of "Culture And Sport" with their inadequate management, and running of our citys leisure facilities.....

    The full picture is hardly something that Glasgow, and its people should be proud of pre - 2014.

    .................

    Scotstoun Leisure Centre specifically has had mounting problems with the level of facilities on offer to the public constantly being affected.

    .................

    Surely "Culture And Sport" should be forced to be held far more accountable, and transparent If these maintainence failures are anything to go by.

    ..................

    Just last month 3 pumps failed within Scotstouns main pool, meaning it was closed all day - Wed 11th June.

    On Tuesday 17th June a mains water supply was cut through by contractors on site, building what is to be the new fixed stands, (Pre 2014) overlooking the running track & athletics area.

    .................

    The impact may have lasted 8 hours, but in that time the water supply being cut impacted on:
    The main pool - CLOSED.
    The teaching pool - CLOSED. The health suite (Sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, toilets, showers, and solarium.) - CLOSED.
    The sinks, showers, toilets generally, and
    the Cafe's mains water supply.

    ..................

    With customers still being allowed in, and charged for the gym, tennis etc when the only toilets were within the Badminton Acadamy, in a separate building - this could have amounted to a health and safety issue.

    .................

    and....most recently, the main pool has been closed indefinately, and for the third time due to structural damage (rust - corrosion to main struts surrounding the pool.)

    ..................

    Also, a wide range of other areas, and facilities have been affected by breakages waiting to be fixed.

    i.e. toilets, hairdryers, showers, steam room, the jacuzzi, lights, lockers, all broken, the list goes on.
    .................

    Culture And Sport taking over and its alleged change in how funding is allocated, clearly is not working to the customers satisfaction, and advantage. Also, with the approaching 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are seeing attentions focussed elsewhere, and the management committee less interested in general maintainence, and more interested in the planning and building programme in the build up to 2014.

    ...................

    It all paints a poor picture of the way our "Culture And Sport" leisure centres are being neglected generally, and the time scale of maintainence work being carried out is becoming unacceptably long.
    Yet, they have the cheek to ask us to pay higher amounts for admission to the sports within them.
    ....................


    Perhaps it is time questions were asked, and more transparency was given over just how this new body of "Culture And Sport" is being run, managed, and funded - and just how its budget differs ( if at all) to before our Leisure Centres, Libraries and Community Centres all seemed to switch over so quickly.

    ....................
    .
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 11:31am Fri 4 Jul 08
    Travel to ER facilities at Neilston, Paisley, etc Barrhead, their pools all seem to be open.

    I don't swim, yes I know what a disgrace, feel put off by swimming baths when you know folk pee in them and young 'uns often poo! There are snots floating and peoples skin and hair , I feel a bit ill at what's lurking there. Ok there is chlorine to combat that but there is also verucca viruses and god knows what. Its enough to make me take up cycling!

    oh and that Gary guy looks dead familiar somehow.
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 11:33am Fri 4 Jul 08
    pwaoor at that sports coach, think I will take up kepe fit...
    Posted by: jefstewa, govan on 11:34am Fri 4 Jul 08
    as an ex culture and sport glasgow i have to agree that the management team is a whole joke. when i worked in a pool in the north of glasgow they were due a quest assement and they left everything until the last minute to do it all. the cs glasgow board only want the main centres in excellent conditon while they leave there other pools to rot and fall into disrepair. when i left the centre in the north of glasgow the spa was still out of order after 6 months and all the water features were broken due to them refusing to spend the money to fix the panel that ran them. i say time to shift bridget out and get someone who knows that they are doing to run this shambolic service
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 11:38am Fri 4 Jul 08
    I wonder whose legs they are LOL amusing pic above
    Posted by: george mcleod, High Possil on 11:42am Fri 4 Jul 08
    So this is the city that is going to host the Commonwealth Games and they cannot keep some facilities open at peak times.What a disgrace!!!.
    Bring back the Old Glasgow Corporation.
    Get rid of the numpties.
    Use the ballot box wisely if you can be bothered to vote.
    Posted by: sydneys resident stalker, Glasgow on 11:55am Fri 4 Jul 08
    HUh pah,,, bah, ,,titters,,,the diddy games, labour,,,, tis indeed the height of nonsense, no swimming baths, no facilities, but Glasgow weans will just boot a few fire hydrants to buggery,and so the wee pests of hell canny have it all. Dear parents----kids bored this summer? Why not; Take them for a swim in some shark infested waters. Thus saving trying to entertain them, it will aid a slow swimmer too in no time.hope this helps.
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 12:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    jefstewa wrote:
    as an ex culture and sport glasgow i have to agree that the management team is a whole joke. when i worked in a pool in the north of glasgow they were due a quest assement and they left everything until the last minute to do it all. the cs glasgow board only want the main centres in excellent conditon while they leave there other pools to rot and fall into disrepair. when i left the centre in the north of glasgow the spa was still out of order after 6 months and all the water features were broken due to them refusing to spend the money to fix the panel that ran them. i say time to shift bridget out and get someone who knows that they are doing to run this shambolic service

    Well said, seems that this last minute strategy of getting things fixed is only down to preventing bad publicity getting any worse, rather than genuine due care and attention for our ageing leisure facilities - that are jokingly going to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014!

    What a larff!

    And, Edna, like your comments - witty and corny as ever.

    Interestingly enough I've had several letters from "Culture & Sport" - Bridget McConnell no less, all with the same spin, drivel and crap which explain little or nothing, and are long drawn out, and lame excuses....

    moan, moan, groan, rant! ! LOL ;-)
    Posted by: jefstewa, govan on 12:08pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    people power i agree with you it clearly shows that they are all unfit to run it as a so called registerd company when they cant even provide a decent explanation to why there centres are going as we say t1ts up. they are all to shamed to admit that they cant run it i say hand it over to the people of glasgow and let them run it
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 12:19pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    hi PP, how r u doin? well it is friday, all the whines of the week need to come out, a lot of folk like a sauna or steam room as well, unlike the image of fat horrible Scottish folk eating lardburgers with extra lard, a lot of us do use these facilities and follow a healthy kinda lifestyle(I don't do enough LOL)

    Funny how some conncils have purpose built fantastic facilities and regional differences of 5 miles is like a different world apart.

    I guess, if peeps want a swim and a soak steam etc they will have to hike a bus train or cycle to a baths outwith their immediate region , or buy a paddling pool and act like a big wean in the garden! lolol

    uch well. We are Scottish we are entitled to moan :-)
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 12:28pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    Hiya Edna,

    Don't get me started on these guys with their man b00bs, and tubby bellies, sitting in a steam room with them is enough to mak you throw up!

    I mean just watching them pant like dogs, with their facecloth over their knee, and sneaking their razor into the steam room, for a wet-shave (tut tut!)

    As far as things go, the council run health suits - steam rooms never seem to have any talent in them, never mind the da*n things working properly.

    Just as well I'm not size 20, with t1ts down to my ankles, and cellulite, stretch marks, wrinkles and all these other assetts some folk seem to possess when they strip down to their cossies.

    Ahh it's great to be perfect! LOL ;-)
    Posted by: victor meldrew, condorrat on 12:39pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    What was that Ev. Times was on about last week? ''Glasgow's miles better''? Oh aye, - not for swimmers, or weans that want to learn. Once again,heads should roll for this shambles, and once again, - they won't.
    Posted by: newman, glasgow on 12:40pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Now glasgow is begining to pay the real cost for hosting the diddy olympics
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 12:42pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    arrghh maybe you have a point if Matthew thingy the coach is going to the steam room I will give you a nudge ;-)

    I used a swimming bath to sit and paddle about in with an adjoining steam room last yr on a holiday, in the hotel, no one else was there so have never witnessed that yuk sight blobby lardy men shaving how gross!

    Huh! You have just described my body , my secrets are out! nah, LOL I don't have big boobs .though, I can imagine that a natural gravity defying pair of 46GG (if such a size exists ) may well look great on someone otherwise slender aged 23, but not a 63 yr old. Yet again, drs always say take up swimming its good for all ages so unfortunately, all shapes and sizes are diving in, some making a bigger splash than others.LOL the folk who work there must not even laugh any more at the nick of some clients as they are immune!
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 1:13pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    Nice one again Edna,

    All these funnies, and cracking jokes - better watch or we'll be carted away - LOL ;-)

    Just hope that on a more serious note, this news article forces complete a re-organisation, or shake up of "Culture & Sport" and some accountability, instead of buck passing, and excuses.

    I mean what other organisation has its Executive Director, Bridget McConnell asking those who complain to contact the centres ( Scotstoun) Operations Manager.

    Surely that is just passing the buck, and laying the responsibility on the shoulders of one of the foot soldiers further down the chain of command, instead of accepting responsibility themselves - herself.

    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 1:21pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    Interestingly enough the quote used from Bridget McConnells latest letter to me was typical of the spin, and drivel to be expected:

    "I can advise you that Culture and Sport Glasgow are committed to providing a high level of customer care. I also believe that the company is suitably equipped with the right personnel at all levels to meet our high standards, and continue to deliver best value to the people of Glasgow."

    Very good Bridget McConnell. But, I would be interested to know if she, and other Culture and Sport non-elected Board members readily use "Culture and Sport" swimming pools ?
    As I suspect, that many like: The Right Honourable Norman Somerville Macfarlane, Baron of Bearsden, KT, DL ; Sir Angus Grossart
    (Sir Angus is worth a relatively modest £60 million.) ; Lord Stevenson of Coddenham
    (Lord Stevenson is one of the richest men in Scotland.) and others wouldn't go near a "Culture and Sport" formerly Glasgow City Council leisure centre.
    Posted by: daz, glasgow on 2:24pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    people power

    will she no away an join her man when he takes up his post as

    Lord McMince.....(big pause)....of Malawi?
    Posted by: Asturias, Glasgow on 2:27pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Best Value
    HA!

    Best Value
    Indeed!

    That is pure jargon.Every time you hear various political half wits using that "Best Value" banality you know they are talking out of their backsides.

    Another one in frequent use by these charlantans is "step change". UGH

    When I see, read and hear these con-artists spouting out such guff I feel so much disgust, yet they never comprehend how false they are.I despise them
    Posted by: Ross, Glasgow on 2:37pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Mission Statement



    To enrich the lives of the people in Glasgow and visitors to the city by providing world-class cultural and leisure services.

    This is there official mission statement - What a Joke !!
    Posted by: People Power on 2:50pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Asturias wrote:
    Best Value
    HA!
    Best Value
    Indeed! That is pure jargon.Every time you hear various political half wits using that "Best Value" banality you know they are talking out of their backsides. Another one in frequent use by these charlantans is "step change". UGH When I see, read and hear these con-artists spouting out such guff I feel so much disgust, yet they never comprehend how false they are.I despise them

    Yes well direct your dislike, and despise towards Bridget McConnell, her words, not mine!

    And, Daz - if you're just going to sit on the fence, slag off, and make no positive contribution away and bile yer heid!
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 3:06pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    I am only in to say this debate is one of the funniest of late, and we need a meatier story here to really go ape about.

    This this week, it was mediocre mr happy melted down into a yellow bucket,spade, and wheelie bin, a blue trampoline in a backcourt as large as the Roberts circus, 15 sets of waltzers and dodgems whizzing up Argyle st , some 500 science centre job cuts, and tesco builds shops in every garden in partick... and forgettable drivel that has been sensationalised to those sort of extremes,as isn't worth reading if its bland so needs to always look nastier ,thought-provoking, a bit like Russell Grant's horoscopes...

    ... get to end and forget what he said anyway!

    Gies mer Glasgow humour I say, go girl power now just people power. Say something inter related or viewpoint-ish on the topic in question ,or do as she says -

    away and bile yer heid!
    Posted by: Asturias, Glasgow on 3:14pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    People Power wrote:
    Asturias wrote:
    Best Value
    HA!
    Best Value
    Indeed! That is pure jargon.Every time you hear various political half wits using that "Best Value" banality you know they are talking out of their backsides. Another one in frequent use by these charlantans is "step change". UGH When I see, read and hear these con-artists spouting out such guff I feel so much disgust, yet they never comprehend how false they are.I despise them
    Yes well direct your dislike, and despise towards Bridget McConnell, her words, not mine! And, Daz - if you're just going to sit on the fence, slag off, and make no positive contribution away and bile yer heid!
    Yeah I know that already. I am not having a go at you for heavens sake.

    Anyway here is another one for you "multiculturism" a word that seems vaguely positive but just exactly what does it mean ?
    In fact it has so many contradictory meanings that it has no meaning at all.That is why these smug gits love to spout it.
    It is the sort of jargon that the likes of McConnell use to make themselves look as if they care about humanity.
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 3:31pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    Aye, right again Edna, (not often wrong!)
    The utter p1sh presnted to us of late in this here E.T. is impressively gibberish, and laim!

    Just like you, something seems to make me come back to comment on it, or others posts.
    Those in denial that this city is in such a state, and those who allow parties of power, big business, and right wing politics dictate to us what is "right and wrong" in their opinions!

    This situation with our leisure centres has been simering under the surface, and building up for months.......the fact it has only just been reported on now says alot about the verging on un-official protection racket we see through the media of our councillors & politicians when it comes to the sh1t they throw at us, and the corruption that goes on, brown envelopes that are passed, peerages won through bribes, and MP's perks which abuse the system, and rob us tax-payers time & time again.

    Give us value for money with our public services. Justification when pushing up prices, and transparency of exactly where funding is coming from, and going to when it comes to tax-payers money being used for our failing leisure centres.

    It seems that all too often there are more questions than answers, and more pen pushers than genuine hard grafters. "Too many chiefs and not enough indians!" .....same old, same old!

    Time for things to change & improve with the way our Councils planning department is constantly passing applications without so much as a second thought ; the way the Community Planning Partnership is watering down Community Councils ; and the way our councillors are failing to sit up and take notice of what the electorate want, until strike action of employees is needed.

    Finally time for things and improve within the structures of "Culture and Sport" before it becomes the laughing stock of the UK & beyond pre-2014!
    Posted by: People Power on 3:45pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Asturias wrote:
    People Power wrote:
    Asturias wrote:
    Best Value
    HA!
    Best Value
    Indeed! That is pure jargon.Every time you hear various political half wits using that "Best Value" banality you know they are talking out of their backsides. Another one in frequent use by these charlantans is "step change". UGH When I see, read and hear these con-artists spouting out such guff I feel so much disgust, yet they never comprehend how false they are.I despise them
    Yes well direct your dislike, and despise towards Bridget McConnell, her words, not mine! And, Daz - if you're just going to sit on the fence, slag off, and make no positive contribution away and bile yer heid!
    Yeah I know that already. I am not having a go at you for heavens sake. Anyway here is another one for you "multiculturism" a word that seems vaguely positive but just exactly what does it mean ? In fact it has so many contradictory meanings that it has no meaning at all.That is why these smug gits love to spout it. It is the sort of jargon that the likes of McConnell use to make themselves look as if they care about humanity.
    Cheers Asturias for clearing that up,

    Yes, I know exactly what you mean the terminology used by the politicians to sound like they have an ounce of passion, or care for humanity is cringeworthy, and so false.

    one of these days we'll be able to swap roles with our councillors, and politicians. Lets see them riding their bikes, ditching their cars, boarding the subway - buses, and not knowing where their next meal is going to come from......

    Until some Councillors, chief Executives, Politicians, MSP's etc have a dose of reality, they will never truly grasp or understand what the electorate need or want.
    The policies they come up with will always be to please big businesses, the outside world, the media circus, and themselves...

    Lets see some down to earth politics, and real care and attention for our ameneties, and facilities.

    "Culture and Sport" might have been set up to allow for funding applications, and lottery grants to be pulled in. What hasn't been considered is the set up of the management structures to supposedly run "Culture and Sport" - clearly there are "too many chiefs, and not enough indians" with the staff of leisure centres taking all the flack, and complaints, and the management committee hiding away from any responsibility.
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 3:53pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    that was brill PP, you only ever speak the truth and you are always right, there is no one so good with words in every thread, you are non judgemental and can see both sides , which means you would make a rubbish politician! LOL

    However, you definatly got a big thumbs up fae me, and I am thinking 'aye she had her weetabix the day!'and your typing certainly cuts through the roundabouts in and outs, and going nowhere debating of whiny menfolk, that probably only come in to argue wi someone in type, and have a chance of winning !( as they are feart of arguing wi their 4 foot 11 wives LOL)

    keep up the good work, I couldn't agree more with the last post doll!

    Brill :)

    Posted by: Pete, Glasgow on 4:10pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Gonnae youse two just get a room...?
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 4:10pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    Edna, ya big suke whit are you after ?

    Cheers for the complimentary words though!

    Just say things as I see them, and ( if I'm honest) I type straight from my sub-conscious.

    Just find that, like you if passionate enough about a subject matter, or story I just let rip, and say whats on my mind.

    Just glad to be of service, and if my words have any kind of impact or effect on peoples line of thinking, when reading them I'll be content.

    It's simply about giving people a different perspective, set of ideals, and dose of reality which our media & politicians sadly seem so detatched from.

    P.s. your'e not too bad yourself, I'd love to have a sense of humour as funny as yours!
    I bet your a right scream with a few bevvies in you on a Friday night!
    Have a good one tonight whatever you get up to

    Cheers Edna honey ;-)
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 4:15pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Pete wrote:
    Gonnae youse two just get a room...?
    Aww - feelin' left oot are we ? ;-(
    Come and make it a threesome, if yer brave enough?
    Posted by: Asturias, Glasgow on 5:00pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    "I can advise you that Culture and Sport Glasgow are committed to providing a high level of customer care. I also believe that the company is suitably equipped with the right personnel at all levels to meet our high standards, and continue to deliver best value to the people of Glasgow."

    So let us take a sincere look at this insencerity. What can we think? I will not answer this truthfully because my true response would have to be deleted.So just guess and fill in the blanks with every profanity you have ever encountered plus many more you will never be learn of.
    Posted by: Asturias, Glasgow on 5:00pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    "I can advise you that Culture and Sport Glasgow are committed to providing a high level of customer care. I also believe that the company is suitably equipped with the right personnel at all levels to meet our high standards, and continue to deliver best value to the people of Glasgow."

    So let us take a sincere look at this insencerity. What can we think? I will not answer this truthfully because my true response would have to be deleted.So just guess and fill in the blanks with every profanity you have ever encountered plus many more you will never be learn of.
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 5:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08

    What, shock horror - Politicians actually tell lies! Never! Wouldn't ever of thought such a thing!

    God, I'd be more worried these days when they tell the truth, if they know the meaning of the word!

    Just very sad that the spin, rhetoric and drivel that spouts from their mouths, often through advisors first, is so far from the truth!
    Posted by: Frank, Glasgow on 5:49pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    We all understand that the Labour Council are working hard to provide us with world beating facilities. It is also unfair to blame the council for people that don't use the facilities there.
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 5:51pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    LOL at get a room and @ threesome , ah was away watching cheap tacky USA chatshows best one is Steve Wilkos he's so honest , Jerry is a pis$taker but are these folk real, oh sorry swimming pools..lol

    ... and missed the latest threads,well shucks, praise were it's due, there are a real lot of gems in here .

    I would imagine people power you would do well as a job in public service, a counsellor or working at the CAB as you do have vast knowledge and don't like seeing injustices done. Seem to be a good idea to have you on ones side LOLOL @ get a room , and aye, God keep the shandy away, cos I don't drink much, so, when I do I just get even more giggly! I am how I type. I thought, would be good to have member info page, ie birth place , occupation, pic, or a wee info on people and the facility to send private messages. leave in as much or as little as preffered.

    I hope everyone here has a nice evening, we have a big sunshine with his hat on now. A bad thing too, already there are stereos playing outside,(it's a Glasgow thing!) It is the Proclaimers and man next door singing along to 500 miles LOLOL, suppose it's better than 'am gonnae batter ye, start running for 500 miles ya bam'.

    I smell that familiar oily putrid ming, look out to see ex motherinlaw, I mean,this is the start of drunken bbq's fired up soon, at a garden near you , adult sensible types turning into 'gigglified burger and beer filled pains '.

    Ah well, I don't mind, I would rather hear the sound of happy people gathering and folk enjoying the sunny days, as folk out fighting.

    tc
    Posted by: spammcspam, Glasgow on 6:23pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    Donald Dewar Centre roof leaks - they have to get buckets out when it rains. The internal brick work is coming apart - you can look out of the gym into the reception area through the gaps between the bricks.

    Kelvin Hall men's showers are appalling if not disgusting, and unreliable.
    Posted by: leesome, Glasgow on 6:26pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    All this building work and maintenance and not any of this to a schedule or standard that becomes fit for basic use.

    Glasgow City Council (also seen Labour), does now have to ask some questions of their-self, that question(s) should be in the reflection of the newly incorporated pivate guise of CS Glasgow.

    Why pay a huge amount of salary to a CEO who has no eperience or talent for what is teh core business, that of managing & administrating building mantenance & building works in general.

    Yes, the current CEO can and does write interesting pieces, probable that they hold a camera, no doubt what is written shall be in a grammatical sense; construction,a delite to read.

    This cannot do, we require a more practical approach, a stare awayy from shape, to a peson that can tell a dodgy piece of tile work, or, who could at least understand the construction industry that relates not to litera-scripta; verbatim.
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow on 7:44pm Fri 4 Jul 08
    spammcspam wrote:
    Donald Dewar Centre roof leaks - they have to get buckets out when it rains. The internal brick work is coming apart - you can look out of the gym into the reception area through the gaps between the bricks. Kelvin Hall men's showers are appalling if not disgusting, and unreliable.

    Edna, your a gem and its clear we both speak with the same passion, humour and beliefs. I respect you for that. Enjoy your bevvying hours tonight, and get these white bits well tanned in this one & onl day of summer - LOL ;-)

    Frank, appropriately enough when I read your posts a tennis quote comes to mind - where would we be without John McEnroe's "you cannot be serious!"

    Give us a break, and if you really must stand up for the labour council, when the facts speak for themselves, then you are clearly deluded in the brainwashed brigade of labour fanciers - followers, which is thankfully greatly reduced within Scotland due to the SNP.

    As for spammcspam, agree with you 100% about Kelvin Hall, it's clearly being left to rot since the emerging of Scotstoun Leisure Centre.
    Don't be surprised if the re-locating of the Transport Museum is also followed by an anouncement of the sale of Kelvin Hall to a housing developer. Watch this space.

    "Culture and Sport!" a complete cop out, a pathetic excuse, and proof the sloppy management has seen many leisure centres, and pools reduced to the state their in today.

    Wheres all the so called investment, and funding that was promised ?
    Its all very well investing in leisure centres, and velodromes for 2 weeks out of 52 come 2014. But, lets not lose sight of who really uses our leisure facilities the rest of the time - not Commonwealth Games athletes....
    Posted by: Miss Reality, glasgow on 12:43am Sat 5 Jul 08
    I must say i'm not surprised one bit that Culture and Sport Glasgow has found itself falling fast as an organisation! The reality is Glasgow City Council where unable to manage this lot of
    WORK SHY PEN PUSHERS
    so why not let them manage themselves! Which with all the pen pushing and sucking up experience they have had you would think they could manage that! Not surprisingly, the ground is nearing and their only escape is if it opens up and swallows them! The chances are there's no trampoline to catch them as it breaches health and safety regulations! lol
    Posted by: glassman, Dalmarnock on 2:29pm Sat 5 Jul 08
    the article does'nt even mention the swimming pool at Castlemilk which has now been closed now for nearly 3 YEARS for refurbishment and still shows no sign of reopening any time soon. Scandalous stuff considering the City Council's policy on tackling health issues affecting this great city.
    Posted by: F Hafferson, Glasgow on 4:10pm Sat 5 Jul 08
    I was at the Bridge in Easterhouse with the kids and it was just fantastic, the place was mobbed with a whole variety of activities to do, the centre staff were just brilliant and very enthusiastic, the swimming pool was jumping and to see the old picture used on the front page of the times was a shame, did the reported actually go out and look at the centres or was it all done on hearsay and from behind her desk???
    Yes the kid’s pool is still closed at the bridge but this must be down to the cowboy builders that have been allowed to build/refurbish the leisure centres all over the city
    It didn’t spoil our day at the Bridge and we will be back. Let’s not put blame on the staff on site they are getting on with the job and making the best of what’s available to them if backsides need kicking lets start at the top.

    Frank Hafferson
    Posted by: People Power, Glasgow ( Unfortunately) on 9:52pm Sat 5 Jul 08

    Miss Reality & Frank both excellent points - posts. Fully agree with you both. I generally feel that some of the staff at the front desks of the leisure centres are forced to take alot of the flack for a wide number of reasons.

    1. The complaints procedure is a farce, only there as a minimum requirement, and a waste of time.
    2. Many people refuse to, or fail to complain to their councillors, the "Culture & Sport" Committee & Ms Bridget McConnell herself.

    3. As a nation we are far to restrained, civil, and do not complain, or demand the high level of service Bridget McConnell boasts of so well in her quotation.

    So, really what do we expect ?

    ....................
    .

    I also completely agree with Miss Reality, in what you say re- the photo used, and how much research, or work is done outwith the E.T. offices.
    There is a common theme with E.T. stories where the photos used are so archived, they are not even reflective of the times.

    If the media are genuinely taking these stories seriously, and not just typing them, and firing their papers off the printers for sale to us mugs who read and believe the news in them then maybe they should prove themeselves.

    How often are politicians in power actually challenged far more by the papers ?
    When they are not available for comment should we really accept this ?
    And, if the media can name and shame us for our petty crimes, and offences - then maybe it's time to name and shame our councillors for their failings, and wrongdoings.

    Or are the media only doing what our politicians do, sitting on the fence, reporting one sided stories, never really getting to the real gritty news, or telling us what we want to hear / read.

    Maybe if we had news which reflected local issues which are being tackled at a human level, by neighbourhood watch groups, instead of glossy looking police statistics, and council press releases.

    Maybe if we had genuine promises, even apologies that at least made us feel the council "Culture and Sport" and other authorities had an ounce of empathy, and humanity.

    Until then, the E.T. should continue doing what it does best, giving Glasgow City Council a free reign to fire off its spin, rhetoric, and one sided drivel we're force fed...

    Those who can see through it, and evade the brainwashing lies are the only hope we have of seeing that in this case "Culture and Sport" get their bu**s kicked, and some hirings and firings, the sooner the better.

    Until then we have 2014 to look forwards to, and Purcells embarrassment as our cities transport infrastructure, mismanagement of its leisure facilities, and general health & alcohol consumption is put on full display to the whole world to see. JUST WONDERFUL!
    Posted by: Caroline, Glasgow on 9:26am Sun 6 Jul 08
    I dont suppose that, while they are sorting out Scotstoun pool, they would like to include and fully facilitated changing room for swimmers with disabilities? Especially now we have access to the pool again after three months - thanks to whoever found the nut or bolt in Holland or wherever, but wouldnt a new and more practical chair be better and quicker? Go and talk to the guys at Drumchapel - their's is great!
    Posted by: People Power, Glassgow on 2:18pm Sun 6 Jul 08

    Caroline, your very valid point of wheelchair accessibility is yet another failing of Glasgows "Culture and Sport." formerly city council.
    Not only are the changing cubicles at Scotstoun (and other leisure centres) far from adequate for wheelchair users, but the entrances, doorways, and general way around it is far from satisfactory.

    Disappointing in this day and age.....even the swimming pool at the Southern Generals Spinal Injuries Unit is unusable much of the time due to the staffing problems there.
    Posted by: Edna Bucket, Interweb on 3:49pm Sun 6 Jul 08