Mark has given his support to local parents who are campaigning against Edinburgh City Council’s plan to close crèches at leisure centres across the city.

He has sponsored a Motion in Parliament urging the Council to reconsider its proposal to close the remaining 4 creches at its swimming and leisure centres. To read the Motion, click here.

On Thursday, 10th December, Mark joined parents campaigning against closure outside Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and he has written to Councillor Deidre Brock, the Convenor of the Culture and Leisure Committee, making clear his strong opposition to the planned closures.

There have been protests as well outside Portobello Swim Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. There is also expected to be a demonstration (from 9.30am) outside the City Council in the City Chambers when it discusses the proposals on Thursday, 17th December.

To read his letter to Deidre Brock, click here.

Mark said:

“Last year’s crèche closures were bad enough, but the closure of those remaining will badly affect parents who depend on them in order to be able to go swimming and keep fit.

“The crèches also give parents the chance to socialise with other each other and break down the isolation that can affect parents of young children.

The planned closures go against the policies of both the UK and Scottish Governments to encourage more people to take exercise to benefit their health.”

The crèches threatened with closure as a result of a funding cut by the Council are at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Portobello Swim Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. This follows the earlier closure of the crèches at Leith Victoria, Craiglockhart Tennis and Sports Centre and Kirkliston leisure centres.

Here are contact details for the website and petition that have been set up by parents campaigning against the closures.