Closure-threatened Shropshire pool is now thriving
Scores of people have signed up as members of a swimming pool since it was saved from closure by a community group.
About 120 people have joined Wem Swimming Centre in Bowen's Field at the start of the year. It has taken membership to the 300-mark – a rise of 66 per cent.
The figures have been revealed by the Friends of Wem Pool, which took over the swimming centre in a bid to save it from closure at the turn of the year.
The group, which refurbished part of the pool between Christmas and the new year, also have bigger plans for the facility, including improving the gym and installing solar panels on the building.
Malcolm Adkins, one of the groups' trustees, said he was pleased with how the first seven months have gone.
"There were 180 members when we took over and it is now up to 300. We also have about 4,000 people coming through the doors each month," he said.
"We are looking at making a bid for funding for solar panels.
"One of the problems with solar panels is that you can generate too much power, but with a swimming pool there is plenty of space to dump it. It's a no-brainer.
"One of our main priorities is getting a larger gym and we have got a local company helping us with that.
"We are still looking at community shares to raise funds.
"We haven't done much over the summer. It is a quiet time of the year with people on holiday.
"But next summer we are looking at putting on a whole range of activities for kids such as boot camps and triathlons."
The group says the centre is now thriving under the proactive management of Niall Parker and his workforce who have introduced many popular sessions.
The latest addition to the pool has been an inflatable pirate ship which the groups says has proved to be resounding success with the area's youngsters.
Mr Adkins added: "The finances are looking very good indeed.
"We have had huge support the town council and a lot of support from residents as well."
The Friends of Wem Pool was set up in 2006 when the former North Shropshire District Council decided there was no future in the pool and it would be closed.
The group finally took over the running of the pool when previous bosses Teme Leisure stepped back from management while keeping a team of staff at the centre.
For more details about the pool visit the website at www.wemswimmingandlifestylecentre.org.uk or the Friends of Wem Pool Facebook page.
