Perth: Sports clubs are rallying against the council’s plans for Bell’s Sports Centre. They want the facility restored to its former state.

The Perth and Kinross Community Sports Network represents many local sports. They believe the popular centre should be reopened for indoor sports.

Last August, the council closed Bell’s permanently due to flood damage. They forgot to close the flood gates during a storm, leading to the closure.

Recently, the council changed its mind after realizing Scottish Water would invest £2 million in improvements nearby.

Now, the council suggests turning Bell’s into an unheated indoor events space with pitches. The Community Sports Network questions why this was the only option in the public consultation.

Loss of Bell’s an ‘unmitigated disaster’

Last week, a report showed public opinion is split. About 60% support the unheated event space, while 40% oppose it.

However, the indoor sports clubs say they were never consulted. The facility was closed without their input, and the council’s survey offered limited options.

The sports community created a 15-page report for the council, arguing for Bell’s to remain an indoor sports venue.

David Munro, chairman of the Community Sports Network, called the closure a disaster. He noted the lack of consultation has hurt public trust in the council.

He added that the community never asked for new facilities. They just want Bell’s back to what it was before the flood.

Before the flooding, Bell’s had heated indoor courts and changing rooms. It was capable of hosting large national competitions.

What Perth and Kinross Council says

The council plans to include the 15-page report in their consultation feedback. A spokesperson said they will consider it when discussing Bell’s future.

They noted that the public consultation focused on sustainable options for the centre. They received 1,981 responses, with 60% favoring the unheated events space.