Girvan residents kept paying memberships to help Quay Zone despite long Covid closure

More than 70 Girvan residents did their bit for the Quay Zone leisure centre by continuing to pay membership fees despite the facility being forced to close because of Covid.Their generosity, along with furlough and business support, helped avoid financial losses during a year once again dominated by the pandemic.South Ayrshire Council's partnerships panel heard that the Quay Zone had only been able to open for eight weeks since last April.While they managed to keep to a balanced budget, some of the actions they had to take will have a knock-on effect – particularly dealing with the consequences of reducing maintenance on a building which will enter its fifth year of operation in April.South Ayrshire Council's sport and leisure coordinator Ali Mutch told the panel that exposure to the severe weather and reduction in maintenance would require increased spending in coming years.South Carrick Community Leisure, which operates the centre, receives £200,000 from the council.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Mr Mutch said: "Performance was significantly impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, with the Quay Zone only able to open for eight weeks throughout the full year.

The team is keen to highlight the community support towards the Quay Zone."Over 70 members actually decided to continue to pay their membership subscriptions throughout the time the facility