A GYM in Lauder is seeking £6,000 from the common good fund to get its facilities back in shape.

Lauder Community and Leisure Centre, on East High Street, needs the money for a new floor, new air conditioning units and to install energy efficient lighting.

Derek Paterson, chair of the Lauder Community and Leisure Centre committee, said in a statement to the Lauder common good fund: “The gym floor at the moment is breaking down. It was never designed to withstand the stresses caused by using heavy weights in a gym setting.

“At the moment some of the floor covering has had to be cut away. This causes a health and safety issue and could lead to trips or falls.

“The flooring that is in tact is bubbling up away from the concrete underneath, and this is only going to get worse and more dangerous over time. There has been no previous assistance given.

“The floor in the studio becomes slippery with sweat from class participants as they work out, which again is a health and safety issue. Having a constant temperature in the studio would alleviate this problem.

“Lighting would not only improve the quality of light but also the energy efficiency of the centre in the longer term.”

The gym is asking for £5,934 from the Lauder common good fund, of which £1,288 will be used to pay for new gym matting tiles, £3,000 for air conditioning and £1,646 for new energy efficient lighting.

As well as providing gym facilities, the centre hosts sporting groups such as men’s football, walking football, volleyball, basketball and badminton, as well as ballet classes.

The cafe features a soft play area for young children, and hosts a Thursday drop-in session for older adults.

Mr Paterson added: “The emphasis is promoting good health through provision of gym facilities and classes and a relaxed and friendly social gathering place for Lauder and surrounding areas.”

Councillors sitting on the Lauder common good fund sub-committee are due to meet on Wednesday, November 14 to deliberate on the application.