Gordon calls for new funding to reopen swim baths

You can read the article in today's Blackpool Gazette here: http://tinyurl.com/mrgfld or see below for the atricle text:

 

22/09/08

FRESH calls weretoday being made for Blackpool Council to rethink its decision to close a "vital" swimming pool. Town hall chiefs closed St George's Pool on Cherry Tree Road earlier this summer after it was deemed outdated and underused.

Swimmers were directed to Palatine Leisure Centre and Moor Park swimming baths in Bispham.

But now Labour councillors and Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden are fighting for a rethink, claiming new Government funding could be used to save the baths.

After Mr Marsden launched a "Save Our Pool" campaign, Coun Fred Jackson has now tabled a notice of motion to Blackpool Council to ask town hall bosses to change their minds.

Coun Jackson claims some of the £100,000 worth of Government cash which Blackpool has applied for to provide free swimming for over-60s and under-16s could be used to re-open and renovate the baths.

"I'm of the view that although we are told by officers that St George's Pool was under used, the times when usage is available to the over-60s and the under-16s at Palatine and Moor Park are not convenient," he said.

"If we do get this Government funding and there is an increase in swimming by pensioners and young people, I'm not convinced that there will be enough time and space for everyone.

"St George's was the ideal place for elderly people and other groups to swim through the day at a convenient time.

"Some of the money could be used to fulfil that need and keep St George's open."

Mr Marsden also slammed Blackpool Council leader Coun Peter Callow after he accused the MP of "flogging a dead horse" with the campaign.

"I'm really disappointed by the knee-jerk response from council leader," Mr Marsden said.

"He should speak to those involved and local residents near St George's and listen to what they say about the damaging impact of this pool closure."

But Coun Callow hit back, reiterating that St Georges would remain closed and raised concerns the Government funding, which would subsidise free swimming for pensioners and youngsters, could become a burden.

"As I understand it this money will last for two years," he said.

"There are no guarantees that after that it will continue.

"I'm worried that if it doesn't continue the taxpayer could be left footing the bill to provide free swimming for old and young people like we have with concessionary bus travel.

"It seems like another badly thought out Labour scheme.

"I will respond to Coun Jackson's motion by asking all councillors to join me in lobbying our MPs to seek assurances from the Government this funding will continue and will not become an albatross around our neck."

Mr Marsden has now contacted Coun Tony Williams, the cabinet member responsible for leisure activities, to formally express his objections to the pool closure.