Call to take plunge for Shropshire swimming pool future
The future of a Shropshire open air swimming pool in need of an £120,000 upgrade will be discussed at a public meeting.
Villagers in Highley, near Bridgnorth, will be asked if they support plans to save the pool at the Severn Centre.
The funds would mainly come from grants – but extra money could come out of taxpayer's pockets.
The pool, which first opened in 1974, could close in six months if work is not carried out to reline it, while the pump room equipment also needs replacing.
Jody Pietragallo, duty manager at the Severn Centre, said: "The condition and age of the pool means that without substantial work being carried out, the pool may close in September.
"Highley Parish Council, together with the Severn Centre and the community, need to know if parishioners want us to look at options for repairing the pool.
"It needs relining and the pump room equipment replacing, which is going to cost about £120,000.
"We need to know if villagers support this project going ahead."
The outdoor pool opens from May each year and is used for children's swimming lessons and for leisure.
It is also used for the first leg of the Highley Sprint triathlon, which is now in its third year.
Ella Preston, clerk of Highley Parish Council, said: "The council commissioned a report into pool, which has taken about 12 months to collate.
"There are about six options for the pool but we want to see if people support the £120,000 scheme first, as that is the cheapest option. If we want to go for grants we need to show we have the public's support, so we are asking villagers if they want to save the pool."
The public consultation will take place at the centre on March 31, from 3pm to 5pm, and 7pm to 9pm. For further information call the centre on (01746) 860000.
