Residents Highlight Value of Local Leisure Services in WDLT Consultation

Published 12 November 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council has welcomed the strong response to its consultation on West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (WDLT) showing facilities are widely used, highly valued and regarded as important for physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection and community life.

A total of 1,739 responses were received during the consultation, with feedback demonstrating that residents value the vital role local leisure, sport, culture and community facilities play in their everyday lives.

 The consultation found that local access to facilities remains a priority for residents, with 97% of respondents saying it is important or very important to have a leisure or community facility in their local area. Most people also use the venue nearest to their home, with 84% reporting that the facility they visit most often is their closest one.

More than four in five respondents visit a leisure or community facility at least once a week, while popular services included swimming pools, leisure centres, gyms, fitness classes, community centres and cultural venues such as the Denny Civic Theatre.

The survey found strong levels of satisfaction overall, with 94% of respondents satisfied or very satisfied with the leisure facilities they use and 80% rating services as good or very good value for money.

Residents identified areas where improvements could be made including longer and more flexible opening hours; increased availability of swimming sessions, lessons, fitness classes and activities.

Enhancements to booking systems, waiting list arrangements and communications along with a review of affordability, memberships and concession schemes and accessibility and inclusive provision for people with disabilities, older people, families and carers.

The consultation also explored views on Community Asset Transfers (CATs) and potential community ownership of facilities. Awareness of CATs was relatively low, with almost seven in ten respondents saying they had not previously heard of them. More than half of those who responded said they were unsure whether any WDLT venues should be considered for community ownership.

Feedback suggested that while some residents saw opportunities for greater community involvement, others highlighted the need for sustainable funding, clear accountability and long-term protection of public access if any transfers were to be considered.

Councillor William Rooney, Convener of Corporate Services, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this consultation and gave their feedback. The level of response demonstrates just how important our leisure, sport, cultural and community facilities are to people across West Dunbartonshire. The feedback provides valuable insight into what residents value most, particularly the importance of retaining affordable local access to services that support health, wellbeing and community connections.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said: “Consultations like these give us a clear message from the people who use the services and it is important to acknowledge where we are delivering great services as well as paying attention to areas where improvements could be made. Feedback helps to inform future decision-making as we consider the ongoing delivery of leisure and community services across West Dunbartonshire."

A working group will be set up to consider WDLT services and community estate with findings and any proposals reported to a future meeting of the Corporate Services Committee.