Community bid to reopen town's swimming pool gets council backing

A council has given its support to an "ambitious" community-led plan to reopen a swimming pool in the Borders which closed its doors more than 18 months ago.

The Laidlaw Memorial Pool in Jedburgh shut in November 2024 when its operating trust became insolvent.

However, a new steering group has been set up to take forward community-led operation of the pool and health and fitness facilities.

Now Scottish Borders Council has agreed in principle to provide £135,000 one-off support subject to funding being secured from various other sources.

Council leader Euan Jardine said he was delighted to offer the backing to Jed Valley Swim.

He said the council would offer the group "very favourable lease terms" on the property while it worked towards full ownership.

"This is an important step in the community taking forward an ambitious plan to reopen the pool and gym and offer various other health and wellbeing services from next summer," he said.

"It does rely on significant other funding being secured, to allow building repairs and equipment upgrades, and we will continue to work alongside partners to help Jed Valley Swim put forward the best possible case."

The council said community engagement had shown "vociferous local support" for the reopening of the facility.

It added that there was a "strong commitment to use services on a regular basis" which would be essential to its ongoing financial sustainability should it reopen.