Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has taken council leaders to task over plans to create a new high school in Lossiemouth without a swimming pool.
The cash-strapped authority argued it would be “financially irresponsible” to include the costly addition in its proposals for the replacement building.
The council has been told it needs to slash spending by £14million before next year’s budget to remain solvent, and creating the pool would cost the council at least £1.5million.
Education bosses have advised elected members to progress with the plans without including the expensive feature when the full council meets next week.
But Mr Lochhead insisted that Lossiemouth residents had urged him to tackle the council on the matter.
He will meet the authority’s chief executive, Roddy Burns, on Tuesday, prior to the vote on the following day.
Mr Lochhead said: “Having spoken to many people in Lossiemouth, I know that parents, as well as the rest of the community, are delighted the Scottish Government has committed to replacing the existing high school, which is in poor condition.
“Naturally, people would like to see the new school include the same facilities that the whole community currently enjoy and benefit from.
“They are concerned council officers are recommending local councillors say no to replacing the swimming pool and leisure facilities.
“Given that Lossiemouth swimming pool is one of the most well-used leisure facilities in Moray, it would be a real shame for a replacement not to be included.”
