New hope in fight to save Wem Swimming Centre
Two organisations are in the running to take over the closure-threatened Wem Swimming Centre, it was revealed today.
For the second time in more than two years the town was facing the threat of losing its Butler Sports Centre pool after operator Teme Leisure confirmed it is pulling out next year. But now the Friends of Wem Swimming Centre and the Severn Centre in Highley have expressed an interest.
The Friends of Wem Swimming Centre have put forward a business plan, which features improviements to gym and disabled facilities.
Supporters are also considering selling shares in the pool to keep it afloat, and Malcolm Adkins, who chairs the group, said that move could lead to investment.
Chris Reeves, manager of the centre at Highley, confirmed that taking over the running of the pool was one option, but the final decision lay with the town council.
Wem Town Council, which owns the building, will hear presentations from both parties at a meeting in Wem Methodist Church, on Wednesday, from 7.30pm.
Councillor Peter Broom-hall, town mayor, said: "At the meeting we will hear presentations from two organisations about taking over the pool.
"We will also have to decide whether we want to run the pool ourselves.
"But we are only a small council and haven't really got the facilities to run the pool – we have only got one town clerk and she can't be expected to run it.
"After speaking to people they say they still want the pool. People use it to teach children to swim.
"I think everybody is upbeat that things can be resolved and the pool can remain open."
Teme Leisure secured the future of Wem's pool after they took over the running of it in 2010. Bosses said they decided to pull out due to 'economic reasons'.
