Council backs calls to save Ellesmere swimming pool

Ellesmere Town Council discussed Shropshire Council's plans to look for alternative management of the town's swimming pool, which is in the grounds of Ellesmere Primary School.

At its meeting on Monday night councillors said the council will write a letter of support to offer help in any way it could, although the authority will be unable to offer financial help.

Councillor Geoff Elner said: "We can say that the town council would be willing to help in any way it can, even by throwing the weight of the council behind the project.

"It is there for the public and if it goes, it goes.

"We want to support the project to keep it open for the community."

The pool was built more than 40 years ago and is managed and maintained by the school.

But central government funding cuts mean the school would have to find money from its own budget to continue running the pool – which costs about £80,000 a year.

Instead, school bosses and Shropshire Council are looking at alternative future management and are hoping to find a community group or organisation to take on responsibility for the facility.

And the council welcomed the success of an open day for groups which was held last week.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "

We will support the school in whatever direction it wants to go in, following the consultation period. We fully understand the school's wish to use its funding on education rather than sustain a failing pool."

Funding that the school receives from central government currently provides £43,000 of income and will be reduced over the next two years, when it will end completely.

Anyone interested in taking over the running of the pool has been asked to submit expressions of interest to Shropshire Council by today. For more information, visit: www.shropshire.gov.uk

Meanwhile Ellesmere Town Council also gave no objection to plans put forward to change the use of the former police station on Grange Road into a residential building.

The station closed following spending cuts by West Mercia Police.

The mayor Ian Ward also proposed hosting some council drop-in sessions, to allow members of the public to attend.

The first is set to be held on July 23 and more details will be announced closer to the time.