THOUSANDS of pounds’ worth of urgent works are needed at a Peebles community hub to address a “dangerous” boiler, according to council papers.

The Gytes Leisure Centre, on Walkershaugh, is a Live Borders-run facility which contains a gym, large sports hall, artificial grass pitch and dance studio.

But the site is experiencing boiler troubles, with a warning that if a solution cannot be found by October, the centre will have to close because there will be no heating.

A report due to be discussed at a full meeting of Scottish Borders Council states: “The likely cost of the works to replace the boilers at the Gytes are in the order of £131,000.

“The main boiler at the Gytes is beyond economic repair and the back-up boiler system has recently been condemned following its scheduled safety inspection.

“Currently, therefore, the centre is without heating or hot water.”

It adds: “Of the two boilers at the Gytes, it has recently been confirmed that boiler one has been out of operation for approximately 18 months and the recent gas safety test undertaken on boiler two declared it as immediately dangerous. Neither of the Gytes boilers, therefore, remain currently operational.

“The Gytes centre remains open but there is no hot water or heating. If a solution is not in place by October 2023, the centre will have to close because there will be no heating. This means the centre will not be available as a public venue nor as a changing venue for Peebles Rugby Club.

“Peebles Rovers are also in active discussion about sharing the pitch at the Gytes and a failure to keep the centre operational would potentially impact adversely upon both the rugby and football clubs to the significant detriment to club sport in the town.

“The lead in times for replacing the boilers is estimated at four to six weeks.”

Councillors have been recommended to approve the £131,000 worth of works needed on the Gytes’ boilers.

The funding is part of the normal block allocation to Live Borders, according to the papers.

The report states that boiler orders were placed in July.

Works are also required to the air handling system which regulates the temperature in the pool hall at Eyemouth Leisure Centre, which are set to cost £198,000.

The report adds: “The risk of not proceeding is that both facilities will close causing significant public concern and reputational damage to both Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council.”

It is estimated that the proposed Gytes replacements would deliver energy savings of 20 per cent compared to the old boilers.

The cost and time to convert the facility to an all-electrical solution is considered, by Live Borders, to be “prohibitive”.