Community centre to clubhouse plan

The club, formed in 1976, is keen to use the centre as a clubhouse – a plan which suits East Renfrewshire council, as the authority has admitted that the centre costs more to run that the money it generates.

The move is part of an ongoing community engagement, with the council reaching out to residents to establish whether or not communities want to manage services from its 20 community halls and pavilions.

Letters have been sent out to 48 local groups, as well as 600 leaflets delivered to households in the Dalmeny area, and a drop-in event held at the community centre.

Community services convener, councillor Mary Montague, said: “This is welcome news. Although the centre is well maintained and has been an integral part of the community for a number of years, it has been underused in recent times.

“The council is keen to retain the centre for the local community and wants, where possible, to keep existing lets within the building.

“The proposal from the Barrhead amateur boxing club represents a sound and viable option for the future of the facility. It also has wider community benefits in terms of sports, well-being and engagement of young people in sporting activity.”

The boxing club will now begin second stage negotiations with the council, with a decision expected from councillors later in the year.

If the plan goes ahead, Dalmeny community centre will continue to be used as a polling station, and for councillor surgeries.

Anyone with alternative suggestions for the community centre is asked to submit opinions in writing to ERC’s community facilities team by March 15.