AN APPEAL has been made for school pupils and parents to respond to a survey on leisure services in Helensburgh and wider Argyll and Bute.
Leisure trust liveArgyll, which operates leisure services on behalf of the area’s council, is running a consultation on its services to assist the council’s budget-setting process.
The latest edition of Hermitage Academy’s newsletter has now featured an article asking youngsters and families at the Helensburgh school to take part.
The authors also say: “As young people living in this community we urge everyone to invest in our future so we can keep Helensburgh thriving.”
No closing date has been identified for the consultation, but the council will set its budget on Wednesday, February 25.
The article said: “Helensburgh is the home of many Live Argyll venues that are wholly treasured by the community. These include the library, the leisure centre (which is currently out of action) and the Victoria Halls.
“Due to substantial budget pressures the council is re-evaluating the use and impact of the services in the community through an extensive survey open to everyone to ‘help reflect community views accurately’.
“The short survey’s aim is to gather information regarding usage of these facilities, and what they bring to the community. It also focuses on the health and wellbeing impact of each amenity. This information is collated through a collection of questions about each service.
“The Victoria Halls is used as a hub for a variety of community groups, from art clubs, to dancing, to collections of board games fanatics.
“It’s a place for the community, welcoming all and giving space for performances and productions attended by hundreds of members from Argyll and Bute.
“The leisure centre provides gym equipment and workout spaces for members, and is an important part of fitness in Helensburgh. It’s accessed by countless people, youngest to eldest and is a cornerstone of Argyll and Bute.
“The library is also hugely important for engaging young people with reading and learning, and it is also used by adults of all ages. It provides an important study and work space for many and is a centre for learning and mental growth.
“Active Schools is a ‘national programme in partnership with sportscotland with the aim of providing more and higher quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school’. It provides a space for kids to access fitness and develop teamwork and wellness.
“Community learning is the name for the collection of groups in the community including youth activism groups, the GIVE youth volunteering programme and adult learning.
“All of which are important and provide skills and help the community in ways that are not found anywhere else currently.”
The item added: “This is very important for the community and it would be appreciated by all if you can take the time to fill out the questionnaire and help to support our much loved amenities.
“As young people living in this community we urge everyone to invest in our future so we can keep Helensburgh thriving.”
