Views on five-star hotel at Shrewsbury Quarry pool site are sought
People in Shrewsbury are to be asked their opinions on plans to replace the town centre swimming pool with a five-star hotel.
The Liberal Democrat group at Shropshire Council is carrying out a survey on the propsals being considered for the future of the Quarry leisure centre.
And Councillor Hannah Fraser, joint deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, believes no decision should be taken until people have been asked about their opinion.
She said: "We need to find out what local opinion on the ground is and that should inform the way decisions are made. Councillors have got their ear to the ground, but at the moment the decision is up in the air." The survey comes as the town remains divided over the future of the leisure centre and a campaign has been set up to save the Quarry pool. Led by local doctor Nick Richards, campaigners are concerned that a new pool would be insufficient if plans go ahead to build the £40 million five-star hotel.
A replacement fitness centre and poolmay be built elsewhere in the town if the plans go ahead, but Councillor Fraser warned residents will become angry if they are not given the chance to have their say.
She said: "This survey is a barometer of what people think and to not ask them isn't a good idea at all. People are very interested and it's an emotive topic. The powers that be are coming up with ideas and that really aggravates people when you don't find out what they think."
Shrewsbury's MP Daniel Kawczynski has also become involved, and will submit a report to Shropshire Council for their consideration.
The report will be based on the number of people who use the pool from swimming clubs across Shropshire, alongside the effect potential closure could have and improvements needed to the current facilities. Visit https:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/9RZYSRP
