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Lochaber Sports Association say it is “make or break” for pitch plan

Artist impressions of Lochaber Indoor Sports Centre
Artist impressions of Lochaber Indoor Sports Centre

The group behind plans for a major indoor sports centre in Fort William has written to councillors urging them to back the plans.

Lochaber Sports Association (LSA) said that Highland Council’s decision on funding would “make or break” the long-awaited project.

On Thursday, councillors are to discuss a report on the proposed facility which suggests that the authority invest a maximum of £200,000 in the £1.47million facility.

The potential offer is less than a quarter of the £845,000 requested by the association towards the construction of the centre at Lochaber High School.

LSA chairwoman Jane Blanchard has written to every Highland councillor urging them to consider the “enormous value” the facility would have for the area.

She has also sent on letters of support from various sporting groups, including Fort William Cricket Club, Lochaber Rugby Club, Lochaber Camanachd Association, several local shinty clubs and the Lochaber Welfare Football League.

Artist impressions of Lochaber Indoor Sports Centre
Artist impressions of Lochaber Indoor Sports Centre

Also included is two “letters of comfort” from the council to LSA, which were used as part of a application for a £500,000 grant from sportscotland towards the project.

It is understood that this money is dependent on a certain level of investment from the council.

Mrs Blanchard said: “The project has been at a standstill since March, as we cannot develop it any further until we have a firm written commitment from the council.

“Our stage one approval from sportscotland officially ran out at the end of March but they have extended it pending Highland Council’s decision, as they are aware of the urgent need for such a facility.”

In her letter to councillors, she added: “We realise that this is make or break for this six long year project, so we ask you to kindly take some time to consider its enormous value to all sectors of Lochaber’s community.”

Finance director Derek Yule said that the council had previously “indicated its support, including the offer of financial help” but “no formal decision has ever been taken”.

They had been requested to pay £600,000 towards construction, as well as a VAT bill worth £245,000.