NORTH EAST SWIMMERS BATTLE CENTRAL BELT BIAS- SAYS MP

2.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Apr 2008

Mr Bruce has challenged the Scottish Executive to stop stalling and pledge its support for a new pool in Aberdeen

Still no sign of commitment from the Scottish Government on Aberdeen swimming pool says local MP

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce has expressed anger and frustration over reports that the SNP Government may give support for a new 50m swimming pool in Dundee in preference to the long-standing bid for a new pool in Aberdeen

Mr Bruce who has long campaigned on the issue, has again challenged the Scottish Government to match the commitment of the City Council to improving swimming facilities in Aberdeen to the benefit of the Shire.

Mr Bruce said:

"Only this week Hannah Miley, a Garioch swimmer, broke the European 400m individual medley record set in 2000, strengthening her chances ahead of the Olympics this summer having also qualified for the 200 metres. She will be joined in Beijing by David Carry and Robert Renwick -both representing Aberdeen - as Olympians to make the North East proud.

"These swimmers have to go far and wide for top-end competitive training. Frankly, they deserve the same opportunities to train as afforded to those in the central belt."

In a letter to the Minister for Communities and Sport, Stewart Maxwell MSP, Mr Bruce said:

"The central belt is well supplied with 50m pools and is apparently set to gain several more as a result of the successful Commonwealth Games bid. The Games provide a rare opportunity for a golden sporting legacy for future generations. It is surely right this legacy should be viewable nationwide and not just in certain areas."

ENDS