Wednesday 19th March
Midlothian Councillors vote on 25th March 2014 to decide whether to demolish the building or transfer into community ownership.
- Midlothian Council released report recommending Councillors reject community transfer bid and advising immediate demolition.- Find the full report + our business plan here
- 11th hour protest scheduled for Friday 2:30pm.
- Video posted on Facebook calling people to demonstrate: Viewed by 2450 people in 24 hours. Post seen by 28,512 people.
- Bonnyrigg Councillor Ian Baxter (one of three) issues press release in support
- Evening News article p.7 "Leisure Center group to fight on despite demolition blow" See here
- Members emailed giving 24 hr notice of protest.
- Evening News Analysis: "Bonnyrigg Hub is a test case" "Let's hope the Councillors see sense" - See Article
- MSP Alison Johnstone issues press release in support
- MSP Alison Johnstone writes blog: "Community Empowerment? The reality, as Bonnyrigg is discovering, is very different."
- Development Trust Association Scotland offer grant of £2000 to strengthen business plan
- Midlothian Advertiser article says "Shock at report calling for 'demolition' of Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre building"
- Two independent business plan specialists are commissioned by Bonnyrigg Centre Trust to examine Business plan to see if council officers judgement of "fundamentally flawed" financial viability is a valid conclusion.
- Met Bonnyrigg Councillor Milligan to ask for support
- Asked Bonnyrigg Councillor Constable to meet- No response
- Public demonstration and press photo in front of the building 2:30. Over 52 people turned out.
- Councillor Baxter says: "I’ve received 29 emails on the Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre over the space of the last 48 hours – more I think than I received on the Newbattle facilities issue over 3 months."
- MSP Colin Beattie issues press release supporting time to secure grant funding.
- MSP Colin Beattie writes Blog: "Colin urges council to reconsider Leisure Centre demolition"
Midlothian Councillors vote on 25th March 2014 to decide whether to demolish the building or transfer into community ownership.