Swimming pool rebuild wins backing

The demolition of Whitburn pool has been completed after a blaze ripped through the West Lothian Leisure facility in July.

Plans are now being drawn up to replace the facility after the building’s insurers confirmed that the costs associated with building a like-for-like facility on the site are covered by its policy.

At a council executive meeting on Tuesday, councillors gave the green light for West Lothian Leisure to start work, which will result in a pool being built on the same site.

Robin Strang, general manager of West Lothian Leisure, said: “This is an important step in the process and it allows us to move forward plans to ensure that a new facility is built in Whitburn as soon as possible.

“We will consult with members of the community and customers before any decisions are made with regards to the design of the new facility.”

Seven members of staff led 40 customers from the building when the fire broke out, with some having to flee in their bathing costumes, wrapped in foil blankets for warmth.