PRESTWICK Swimming Pool will remain open as proposals to close it are “off the table”.

Depute Council Leader, Councillor Brian McGinley, made the announcement as he confirmed that budget savings proposals to close Prestwick swimming pool and reduce opening hours in other pools across South Ayrshire will not be included in the Council’s draft budget, which will be considered on Thursday, March 1.

The proposal to close Prestwick swimming pool had been one of the “most controversial” included in the council’s Balancing the Budget 2018/20 consultation.

As well as numerous individual responses against the proposal, three petitions containing more than 9,000 names were also received opposing the proposed closure.

Cllr McGinley said: “There was a massive response to the proposal regarding Prestwick swimming pool, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch or come along to our drop-in sessions within the town.

“Prestwick pool is clearly a popular facility and one that we need to ensure is used to its fullest extent to protect it for the future.

“Including this proposal in the consultation gave people the opportunity to really consider the difference the pool makes to them and it was very encouraging to hear their feedback on the boost it gives their health and wellbeing.

“Taking all of this into account and given our better than expected funding settlement from the Scottish Government, the proposals regarding Prestwick and our other swimming pools are now firmly off the table.

“That will go a long way towards delivering on our commitment to increase the average health age of our residents and providing access to affordable sport and leisure provision. I hope to see the support for Prestwick pool reflected in its usage over the coming weeks, months and years.”