West Lothian Leisure issues plea for donations while centres are closed

West Lothian Leisure has issued a plea for donations as all leisure centres have been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The venues run by Xcite are located in Armandale, Bathgate, Broxburn, Craigswood, East Calder, Linlithgow, Livingston and Whitburn, including gyms, sports halls and swimming pools.

All venues were closed from midday on Friday March 20.

The closure will last until April 30, when it will be reviewed.

Direct debits for memberships and coaching have been frozen.

But the charity has asked people to support them by donating or continuing to pay their direct debit.

In a statement West Lothian Leisure said: “We’d like to thank all of our fantastic customers for the ongoing support we have received over the last few days. It truly means a lot to us.

“We have been blown away with your kindness and by those who have offered to donate their monthly direct debit to support us at this challenging time. We are extremely grateful.

“We have invested in the health and wellbeing of the West Lothian community for 21 years, including specific programmes for the most vulnerable. We hope we will be able to continue to do so in the future. “If you are able to offer your support by donating and continuing your direct debit please complete our short online Donate DD form.”

Edinburgh Leisure venues have also closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity said on Twitter: “Thanks so much to everyone who has volunteered to continue paying membership or coaching costs to help support us during this critical time – we can’t wait to have you all back in our venues when we reopen!”