COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC

COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC

FACEBOOK USERS FIGHT PROPOSED CLOSURE OF SKI CENTRE

In light of the recent news that Hillend Ski Centre, the only such centre in East Central Scotland, could be forced to close by Labour-run Midlothian Council, SNP Councillor Owen Thompson, who represents the Loanhead ward, has launched a online-survey seeking the views of the users of Ski Centre.

A Facebook campaign to stop the closure has gathered over sixteen thousand members in under a week - the members of the social-networking group have been asked to complete Councillor Thompson’s consultation on the issue and what they think could be done to save it.

Commenting, Owen Thompson said:

"I think it is important that we take into consideration the views of as many people as possible before any final decision is taken on the centre.

"With the Winter Olympics getting underway today this is the perfect time for people to demonstrate their support for the Ski Centre and to put forward their ideas to save it.

“As well as launching this survey, I have written to the chief executive of Midlothain Council to request that local councillors be involved in any discussions on the future of the centre, that we make sure all possible options are explored, and that we engage with the public before any decision is made.

“It is clear that the Ski Centre is a much loved and popular attraction from the response the Facebook campaign has received, not just from those in Midlothian but from all-over Scotland. I expected more people to be heading towards the slops soon with Winter Olympics now underway in Vancouver.

“It is important that Midlothian, and indeed Scotland, continues to support sport and especially sport at grass-roots level. I accept that the difficult situation the Labour Council is in, however we need to engage with people of Midlothian on this - it should be their decision."