South Lanarkshire Council has allocated an additional £4 million for the Larkhall Leisure Centre, increasing its budget from £24 million to £28 million. This decision follows public outcry, including an 1,800-signature petition, for more facilities. Plans now include an indoor area for at least three badminton courts.
Residents in South Lanarkshire can now apply for a £45 permit for garden waste collection, effective April 1. This initiative aligns with other Scottish councils that charge for this service. The scheme also extends to rural Clydesdale, and food waste collections will remain free. Bins will be collected biweekly for permit holders.
South Lanarkshire Council has decided to limit its use of X (formerly Twitter) solely to emergency alerts and urgent updates, in response to public concerns regarding harmful content. The Council will promote engagement through other platforms like Facebook and Bluesky, while reviewing its overall social media strategy.
South Lanarkshire Council is hosting a prize draw to win a year’s free Council Tax. Residents who sign up for Direct Debit by April 1 will be entered automatically. Over 100,000 locals already enjoy this safest payment method. Existing Direct Debit payers are also included in the draw.
South Lanarkshire Council has provided an update on pool closures at Blantyre Leisure Centre. The baby pool is closed, while the teaching pool closes due to lifeguard shortages. Additional lifeguards have been redeployed from the Dollan Aqua Centre, aiming to improve staffing and reduce recent pool closure frustrations.
In Lanarkshire, concerns grow over local swimming pools and leisure centers. East Kilbride’s Dolan baths renovation and Hamilton’s Water Palace petition highlight community issues. Blantyre Sports Centre faces rising complaints about cleanliness, staff shortages, and maintenance problems. Residents urge better communication and support for staff, advocating for improvements and engagement from leadership.
North and South Lanarkshire Councils will soon announce their council tax charges for 2025/2026 during budget meetings. Amid financial pressures, speculation about an 11% increase in North Lanarkshire has emerged. Residents demand transparency as debates on maintaining essential services versus potential rate hikes intensify. Final figures are expected soon.
Beginning April 1, 2025, South Lanarkshire residents must obtain a £45 annual permit for garden waste collection, limited to three permits per household. Bins will be emptied bi-weekly, and permits are essential for collection. Residents can still recycle garden waste for free at local centers without a permit.