We have agreed in principle to a request for up to £135,000 of one-off funding to help a local group reopen the Laidlaw Memorial Pool in Jedburgh.
The commitment is subject to other funding being secured from various sources, including the Borderlands Place Programme, which will be essential for the pool to reopen.
Community-led effort
Following the closure of the facility towards the end of 2024, the community of Jedburgh has rallied, and a new steering group has been established to take forward proposals for the community-led operation of the pool and associated health and wellbeing facilities in the building.
Community engagement undertaken both by ourselves and latterly by Jed Valley Swim has indicated vociferous local support for the reopening of the facility, as well as strong commitment to use services on a regular basis, which will be essential to its ongoing financial sustainability should it reopen.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Council Leader
“I am delighted that we have been able to agree to provide significant one-off funding to help Jed Valley Swim, should they be successful in achieving other financial support. I want to thank them for their efforts and bringing this request to us.
“In addition, we will also support this new charitable community-led organisation with very favourable lease terms on the property, while the group works 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. 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.”