Battle to save community centre heats up

CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up their fight to block the planned closure of Colinton Mains Community Centre.

The centre, in Firrhill Loan, is one of six earmarked for closure by the city council in a bid to save 120,000 a year.

Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition against the move and members of the Fairmilehead Community Council have written to city leader, Councillor Jenny Dawe, in protest.

Secretary Norman Tinlin said many local people would have to give up their community activities because there was no alternative venue in the area.

He added: "It is felt that although 'consultation' is allegedly being undertaken at present this is just a public relations exercise and that it appears the matter is a 'fait accompli'."

The Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership has also criticised the proposed closure. At its last meeting it passed a motion criticising eight separate elements of the decision-making process.

It said the impact of the closures fell disproportionately on the south-west of the city.