Swimming pools future hangs in balance as 90pc plead with bosses not swing the axe
The future of two under-threat swimming pools in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale will be discussed at West Lancashire Council's budget meeting later this month, following public consultation over the winter and a cancelled crunch meeting and further financial work announced this week.
In the recent consultation, nearly 90 per cent of participants said they were opposed to closing Park Pool and the Nye Bevan Pool.
West Lancashire councillors are being asked to agree a way to achieve a financially-sustainable situation for the two pools and wider leisure services because of financial pressures faced by the borough.
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A special meeting was due to be held this Thursday, February 6, but has been cancelled to look again at the latest figures. Now the topics and options are expected be considered at the council's annual budget meeting on February 26.
Last year, the potential closure of both pools was suggested to save money while West Lancashire Council searches for new leisure service ideas. And previous plans to build two brand-new leisure centres were scrapped, over factors including rising building costs and interest rates. A funding gap of £13million was identified.
Council political leaders suggested savings from pool shut-downs, which could come this spring, could be invested into new facilities. They said the existing 1970s pools were outdated, equipment was at risk of failing, membership was falling and costs were rising. They also highlighted the recent £3million refurbishment of Burscough Sports Centre as evidence of their commitment to leisure services.
But the pool closure ideas sparked controversy, protests and an unsuccessful 'no-confidence' vote in the council leader and another top councillor, Labour's Yvonne Gagen and Carl Coughlan, who has a leisure remit. And some Labour councillors became Independents over the issue.
In the public consultation, a total of 2,171 completed surveys were received, along with a petition from the Skem First group, according to a new council report.
67 per cent of participants 'strongly disagreed 'and a further 21 per cent 'disagreed' with taking steps to close the pools. Seven per cent 'agreed' and 4.5 per cent 'strongly agreed'.
Eighty-eight per cent said they use current swimming facilities, while 40 per cent use gym and fitness facilities.
Sixty-six per cent travel by car and 27 per cent walk to leisure centres.
Thirty-four per cent 'would do nothing' if the pools were closed.
Because of the financial challenges facing West Lancashire Council, it must act, the new report states. The council has lost millions of pounds in government revenue support since 2010.
Some options were included in the new report and further ideas may follow later this month. One idea is to close one pool while keeping another open. In the report, officers believe there is a greater need to keep Nye Bevan open because Skelmersdale has higher deprivation, more health issues and poorer transport links. There is also public swimming available in Ormskirk at Edge Hill University. However, officers' views may change as they continue looking at the details.
The current options listed, but which could yet change, are:
Closing both centres.
Having swimming only at both centres.
Closing Park Pool and having swimming only at Nye Bevan.
Closing Nye Bevan with swimming only at Park Pool.
West Lancashire Council cancelled its special meeting this week and issued a statement. It said: "Officers continue to model the council’s financial position and future pressures which remain significant. Following continued scrutiny, it has become apparent that officers need additional time to fully evaluate a complex and dynamic financial picture. As such, the reports for the meeting of February 6 will be reviewed and presented to the full budget-setting meeting on February 26."