THE POOLS - OPEN or CLOSED ? (Fylde Liberal Democrats)

Fylde Liberal Democrats <info@fyldelibdems.org.uk>

THE POOLS - OPEN or CLOSED ?

November 16, 2008 5:43 PM

CONFUSION reigns over the future of two swimming pools after it emerged a deal to keep them open is far from complete. Tory Council leader Coun. John Coombes announced yesterday "a solution" had been found to secure the future of both Kirkham and St Annes baths at no cost to the taxpayer. But it has now emerged the deal would only see the YMCA take over the running of Kirkham pool and NOT St Annes.

St Annes Pool - boarded up! The deal to secure Kirkham Baths' future remains subject to Fylde Council cabinet's approval and a final decision from the YMCA. Only then, if the Kirkham deal was a success, would the possibility arise a similar deal could be struck to re-open St Annes Pool. John Cronin, executive officer of Fylde Coast YMCA, said: "Fylde Coast YMCA is still in negotiations with Fylde Council and as such no arrangement to re-open the swimming pools has been agreed thus far.

"Fylde Coast YMCA will continue with the ongoing discussions with Fylde Council to secure public swimming in Fylde. Some progress has been made, but as yet nothing official have been agreed."

Some leading councillors, including the cabinet member with responsibility for the pools, claimed the baths had been "saved" but then he would wouldn't he as he is hoping to be elected to LCC in the future.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Tony Ford said: "These announcement seem to raise more questions and the answers don't seem to be forthcoming. Residents are entitled to the full story so that pool staff and swimmers know what is really going on. Is this 'rushed' announcement anything to do the fact that Inspectors were in the council offices at the time undertaking a Comprehensive Performance Assessment?"

One comment on the Gazette webpage said "Don't be fooled with this spin...there is still a long way to go. This announcement is both premature and irresponsible for political gain."

Whilst all Liberal Democrats would love to see both pools remain open, they too see this as political opportunism.