David Lomax slams decision to close Whaley Pool

Derbyshire County Council has said it is unable to provide funding to the Whaley Bridge Primary school to enable the school swimming pool to stay open. It has been a valuable teaching resource for generations, providiing for our local children from the age of 4.

However, a team has come together to formulate a plan that would could keep the pool open. Initial discussions looked at a variety of options. A plan to lease the pool from DCC and run it under a charity structure, upgrading the pool and allowing it to be fully opened up to the community was put to DCC. Despite County lauding the fact that it wants volunteers to run many of the services it used to provide the business plan was rejected on 17th January. The issues raised were addressed but another rejection has now been received.

Money has already been pledged by members of the community which would allow for the first year of operation to end with a surplus as well as providing for upgrades and the team are confident that it can run at a breakeven point once the additional streams of income are factored in, from year 2 onwards.

David Lomax said "Since it was built, the pool has enabled so many of our children to learn to swim. Given the large amounts of water around Whaley it is so important for their safety as well as encouraging exercise and enjoyment of swimming. County must not let this facility be lost."