Councillors: ‘Loss of swimming pool a blow’

COUNCILLORS from different parties have branded the loss of the popular swimming and splash pools at the Pyramids centre ‘a blow’ but are keen to see what its future holds.

Today Portsmouth City Council announced it will spend £2.5m on regenerating the Southsea venue — including a soft play and trampolines in place of the pool and a new gym and studios.

Labour Cllr Judith Smyth, who represents the St Jude ward, said: ‘This is a good way to ensure the Pyramids will do well over the next eight to 10 years.’ ‘I look forward to having a leading leisure centre in Southsea and I hope this will encourage children and people with special needs and disabilities to use the site and enjoy the activities on offer.’

Group leader of the Progressive Portsmouth People, Cllr Claire Udy, agreed. ‘It’s a given that I am quite sad to see the end of a Portsmouth institution,’ she said. ‘I am very impressed with the plans and think it’ll be ever so popular. I have been assured about the swimming provision in the south of the city, so I am satisfied.’

However, Tory councillor Luke Stubbs, who represents neighbouring Eastney and Craneswater ward, had concerns. He said: ‘It would be a real blow to lose it. There are already numerous private sector gyms and so while gaining a larger gym is a positive, it’s not that much of a positive. This is an iconic seafront site and it really needs something that is unique and which will pull people in.'