Pool could reopen in summer

A closed north Shropshire swimming pool could reopen in early July if new operators strike a deal with councillors, it emerged today.

Wem Swimming Pool has been shut since May 9 when Wem Swimming Centre Ltd, the company which used to run it, was declared insolvent.

Today it emerged a potential new pool operator, Teme Leisure, has been in talks with landlords Wem Town Council.

Mayor of Wem Councillor Doug Cooley said: "We're looking at an opening date in early July and doing maintenance on the building while it's closed.

"Teme Leisure, our preferred bidder, has not signed up to take over as operator yet and we are still in negotiations.

"All the pool staff are looking forward to opening it back up."

Glynis Sheppard, of Shrewsbury, had stepped in to run the pool in 2005 when it faced closure due to district council cuts.

But when she put the operating company up for sale for £65,000 last year, the council terminated her lease before she was able to sell it. Many customers had paid in advance for children's swimming lessons and Miss Sheppard has offered those affected the chance to transfer any outstanding lessons to other pools in Shropshire where her other separate company Swim With Style Ltd operates.

Councillor Cooley said the situation could not have been handled differently, insisting the future of the pool was paramount.

He added: "It couldn't have been avoided. There's not a lot the council can do about it as Glynis ran a limited company and her clients' contracts are with her."