At Tuesday's full council meeting the SNP group put forward a motion to stand by the commitment made in October that there would be no demolition of the facility before a new centre was built when CALA starts its controversial Kilmardinny development.

The developers propose demolition of the centre first and a replacement only after houses built on the site are sold.

At a recent private meeting the coalition Labour/Tory administration agreed the council will enter agreement with CALA to progress their proposals — a decision made in the teeth of ferocious local opposition and which will see 550 houses built between Bearsden and Milngavie.

In backing the motion on the Allander's future, council leader Rhondda Geekie blasted those who had spoken to the press about their fears that the administration would renege on its commitment to the centre.
She said: "Some have it made it look as though there's a feud going on between us and there isn't.

"We remain absolutely true to what we said before — notwithstanding the legal agreement decision — the future of the Allander is not in doubt.
Depute leader Billy Hendry said: "As a council we are united over the Allander but differ how we go about getting what is the best deal."

Following the motion from SNP group leader Ian Mackay there was another tabled by LibDem Duncan Cumming in similar terms, but also seeking a comprehensive consultation exercise with the existing Allander users.

Councillor Hendry pre-empted that motion and said: "With regard to consultation with the people of Milngavie and Bearsden we'll whole heartedly support that."

However, in proposing his motion, Councillor Cumming's words suggested there had been real fears the administration might renege on the commitment to the Allander saying: "I have never played politics with issues such as this — the continuation of the Allander is vital. I will fight tooth and nail until there is a new facility up and running before any closure of the Allander. The people should have the ownership of the decision making."

Ahead of the reaffirmed decision on Tuesday, a group of young gymnasts from the Allander had written to the council urging they be part of the decision-making process.

Councillors agreed unanimously to the suggestion that Councillor Mackay's motion and that of Councillor Cumming be merged and a report will come back before the chamber "as soon as practical" and before conclusion of negotiations, detailing procurement plans.

These will include timelines and funding strategy for a replacement leisure centre with facilities at least equivalent to the current Allander Leisure and of a high modern standard.

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