Pool closed but still talking
Three-month appraisal over its future
TALKS are taking place which could see Charnwood College’s pool avoid being permanently closed.
Charnwood College announced at the beginning of September 2019 that it planned to close its swimming pool for good at the end of 2019 because it was no longer financially viable to keep the pool open.
But widespread opposition to the proposal, including a petition launched by borough councillors Coun Julie Bradshaw and Coun Paul Boldrin which attracted more than 1,000 signatures, saw the consultation period extended.
This week, with the original date for its permanent closure having passed, the college has confirmed that it has not ruled out the possibility that the pool could re-open in the future if a satisfactory solution can be agreed.
A David spokesman for the Ross said: Education Trust “Charnwood College have been in discussions with local stakeholders for the past three months to explore whether there are any viable proposals that would enable Charnwood College Swimming Pool to continue to operate its swimming pool as a school and community facility.
“The pool has suffered from reduced community use, falling revenues and some costly material improvements are now required to the pools infrastructure.
“Over the next three months colleagues from Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, along with Charnwood College, and other contributors will be undertaking an options appraisal to examine how the swimming pool could be operated and managed affordably, for the longer term, in a way that meets the needs of the school and the community.
“During this period the pool will be temporarily decommissioned while the stakeholders progress and examine longer term options for the pool.”
Coun welcomed Julie Bradshaw the news.
She said: “As leading campaigner the news is very encouraging. With the petition that both myself and Coun Paul Boldrin began, it resulted in LRS and others coming on board to save the much loved pool at Charnwood College.
“It’s fantastic to be playing a huge role in this and that the The David Ross Academy Education Trust has listened. It is such positive news and it is hoped now that other ways can be found to make the running of the pool viable for everyone concerned and therefore to keep it open.“