Council backing for Shrewsbury swimming pool in town

Shrewsbury Town Council has now taken an official position on the future location of the pool, which is currently in Quarry Park, as Shropshire Council proceeds with a four-month consultation on a number of options and sites.

There are seven options in total, three of which would see the pool remain at the Quarry, while the other four look at out of town centre sites.

Councillors also voiced concerns that the Shropshire Council-commissioned report provided to explain the options, is "skewed" towards one of the potential locations – Shrewsbury Sports Village, in Sundorne.

Speaking at the meeting of full town council last night, Councillor Hannah Fraser said: "There is a perception that with the figures used to describe different options that the council has already made its decision. We really need to think about what the townsfolk want and what will make swimming more accessible for people. My view, having spoken to people is that it is in the town centre."

Councillor Fraser and Councillor Anne Chebsey both raised concerns that splitting the options to remain at the Quarry site – a £12.8 million renovation, a £2.3 million refurbishment, or an entirely new pool, expected to cost £10.9 million – would dilute the figures showing how many people wish it to remain in the town centre.

Councillor Fraser said: "The way it is set up you get a vote for Sundorne Sports Village but the town vote is split in three."

Councillor Chebsey said: "I think they should have asked if the swimming facilities should remain in the town centre. I would like it to stay in the town centre and I think that could be a problem which we see with the results of this consultation."

Councillors voted to approve a motion calling for the pool to remain in the town centre, although members also agreed to revisit the decision in September.