Falkirk Council: Anger as Bo'ness Recreation Centre closed day early due to 'staff welfare concerns'

The local authority made the announcement last night on social media and said the reason was “due to concerns for staff welfare”.

However, the move has angered the local community who were already unhappy about losing their sports complex.

The council had initially announced in February the closure date would be May 3 and only two days ago put out a press statement confirming the date.

However, shortly before 10pm last night it posted on Facebook: “Bo’ness Recreation Centre is now closed.

"The venue has closed one day earlier due to concerns for staff welfare.

“We thank you for your support and please see a selection of photos from some of our classes at the venue this week.

“With a fitness class programme starting in Bo’ness Town Hall from Monday, May 6 and options available for casual swimming and hall and court hire at Bo’ness Academy, we hope to welcome you soon at either of these locations or one of our other sport and leisure facilities within the council area.”

The community had hoped to safe the centre after last December it appeared to have a stay of execution as the council agreed its closure would not be until April 2025 in the hope a new owner could be found.

But earlier this year a council-commissioned report had revealed serious defects that would mean a repair bill of more than £4 million and the building being shut for many months to make it safe.

The decision was then taken to close it today (Friday) until last night’s unexpected announcement.

Comments on Facebook showed the community’s anger at the decision with one woman stating: “What concerns for staff? We have utmost respect for the staff.”

While another said: “The only thing the people of Bo'ness would be doing is gracefully clapping for the staff to show our absolute appreciation for everything they have done and provided for us and our kids over the years.”

Another comment said: “The town had nothing but admiration for the folks working there. The council wants to avoid more bad PR, more likely.”

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, as a consequence of postings on social media, an incident yesterday and protest activities planned at the centre we have had to make the decision to close the venue early due to concerns for staff welfare.”

However, they refused to give details of what the “incident” that allegedly took place on Thursday was.

They continued: “Since the original decision to close the centre officers have been working with sports clubs based at the Rec and have managed to relocate nearly all groups to alternative venues, with the majority transferred directly to Bo’ness Academy. Active Forth classes will now take place at Bo’ness Town Hall from Monday, May 6. The Rugby Club will change at Bo’ness Academy and the Sub-Aqua Club have moved to Mariner Centre. The main disruption is unfortunately, to public swimming which is restricted at the Academy in terms of hours available and gym users with the nearest alternative Falkirk Council venue at Grangemouth Sports Complex.

“In terms of future provision there remains a commitment to build an expanded community sports facility at Bo’ness Academy and designs for an extension comprising a new larger gym, changing rooms, multi-purpose studio and dedicated entrance are currently being developed and will be shared with members and the public as soon as possible.

"If agreed by councillors work could commence on these new facilities as soon as August 2025 (upon expiry of the PPP contract) and be complete by Autumn 2026. In advance of the main works, we are also engaged with groups on extending the available hours (as subject to demand) for the existing sports facilities including the pool and will be looking to improve facilities at the Academy over the coming months. This is likely to include the provision of a new rugby pitch to support the Bo’ness Rugby Club expand its school of rugby capacity and enhance school sports provision.”