TWEEDDALE councillors have said they would support a campaign to raise money for a new wheelchair hoist at Peebles Swimming Pool after it emerged that it was unsuitable for many disabled users.

The Peeblesshire News contacted local members after it emerged that a schoolgirl from the town was being forced to endure a 120-mile round-trip to Perth to attend lifeline swimming sessions after a risk assessment deemed a new hoist at her hometown pool unsafe.

Thirteen-year-old Faith Scott has been in a wheelchair since birth after she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus – a condition in which there is excess fluid in the brain. Her weekly swimming sessions were the only exercise she got.

However, the teenager has been unable to use Peebles Swimming Pool following the installation of a new hoist at the Borders Sport and Leisure-run facility. And she isn’t the only one affected.

Faith’s mum Wendy revealed she has repeatedly raised her concerns with pool bosses but, six months later, she claims nothing has been done.

It is believed a suitable hoist would cost between £6000 and £13,000 to install.

The Peeblesshire News has contacted all parties involved in a bid to start a fundraising campaign. 

While it is understood that grant funding may be available to meet part of the costs, it is hoped to launch a fundraising page online and we are appealing to readers for help.

Councillor Graham Garvie, Convener of Scottish Borders Council, said: “I can’t understand why this has happened. I would be very happy to support a campaign to raise money for this new hoist.”

Fellow Tweeddale Councillor Catriona Bhatia said: “I have met Wendy and Faith on other issues they have faced over the years, and would be happy to support them to find a solution to accessing the local pool.

“I can certainly liaise with BSLT and NHS Borders to find out if there is a solution that would benefit not only Faith but other users who may have similar challenges.”

And, adding his support, Tweeddale Councillor Gavin Logan said: “If there was a campaign, the organisers could make an application to the Peebles Common Good Working Group for a contribution out of the town’s Common Good funds.”

Faith is part of a programme at Peebles High where she is encouraged to use local facilities on the two days she is home from the additional needs school she attends in Lanark. And, with everyone on board, Borders Sport and Leisure is keen to help.

A trust spokesperson said: “Our recommendation would be that we organise a meeting with the parent and a member of our staff to discuss the best hoist options. 

“Once this was decided, we would then make applications to try to secure grant funding.

“As we previously mentioned, the hoist could cost between £6,000 and £10,000, (but more likely nearer £13,000), depending on how much grant funding was available, we would then launch a fundraising campaign to raise the balance of the money.

“Hopefully this is something that the Peeblesshire News would be able to support us with, should the family wish us to take this forward.”

Let us know of your fundraising ideas and we will publicise them in the paper. Email: editorial@peeblesshirenews.com