Councillors have hailed the impact of two north-east new sports centres despite concerns over “snagging issues” which have plagued the facilities.
The Banff and Buchan area committee yesterday discussed a report on £12million sports and community centres, which were built in the ports last year.
And they heard that since both were opened to the public, membership of Active Aberdeenshire had increased by more than 1,000%.
The complexes offer sports halls, outdoor tracks and swimming pools.
Despite this, however, concerns had been raised about problems within the buildings.
Macduff’s facility’s car park regularly has to be closed off because it floods while air conditioning units are faulty at Banff.
Yesterday, councillors said they hoped the issues would be resolved soon so that the buildings could be used to their full potential.
Banff councillor Michael Roy said: “I have great pleasure in welcoming the performance of the community and sports facilities in Banff and Macduff, but it is just the starting point.
“We should be attracting major events here. These are fantastic facilities and we’ve got to exploit them for the benefit of all.”
Fellow local councillor Glen Reynolds branded them “massive assets” for the neighbouring communities.
Macduff councillor Mark Findlater added: “The figures are almost unbelievable and it can only be to the health and well-being of the folk in the area.
“There was always snagging issues, but we’ve just got to make sure they get fixed – you were always going to have them.”
Aberdeenshire Council is currently in discussions with builders to have the properties repaired.
