Campaigners move closer to saving Wem swimming pool

The Friends of Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre has secured the title of an Industrial Provident Society, meaning the group is recognised as a not for profit organisation.

It brings the group a step closer to gaining the £700,000 they need to take on and run the pool as they can now apply for charity status.

Should the group be declared a charity, members will be able to apply for more grant funding to help raise the cash they need to save the pool from closure.

The group is set to take over the running of the pool on Bowens Field in January. The swimming centre is currently run on behalf of Shropshire Council by Teme Leisure, which announced it was pulling out of the town in September 2012.

But group leaders say that to do so they need community support and for people to come forward with their ideas for the centre.

Mark Price, chairman of the Friends group, said: "It's very exciting. Now we have this it all seems a bit more real. We're hoping to take over the swimming pool so that it can continue to be used by the schools and families who enjoy it, as well as those interested in sport.

"The money would develop the site, expand the gym, and replace the existing heating and distribution plant."

The Friends group has employed Shropshire-based consultancy Pleydell Smithyman Ltd to undertake market research focused on consulting with local people, clubs and organisations.

Mr Price said: "We had someone in the town doing some market research, so we can find out what the people want and when we make bids to different bodies, they'll know if they'll be able to support our vision."

The group is in discussion with the council about the 25-year lease they aim to secure, and hope that at some point, they will be fully self-sufficient.

Mr Price said: "That's the goal really, that we can fund the pool ourselves.

"If we get charity status, we'll start applying to places like the Big Lottery Fund and funders that support sports projects.

"But we need to make sure that they want the same things achieved as the people of Wem – that's why market research is so important."

The group hopes that with this feedback, they can make the improvements desired and get more people using the facilities.

Mr Price said: "We've come up with a whole load of ideas. One idea we're trialling is a Swim Gym.

"It's using an instructor to help you achieve your goals in the pool and the gym, without just shouting at you to go faster on the treadmill.

"We also really want to make space for weight training and other types of fitness training that people are interested in, because right now there just isn't the space."

The community group is appealing for nearby residents to get involved by filling out a questionnaire on the group's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FriendsOfWemPool.

It is also available at Wem Town Hall, Wem Library and Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre.