Future of threatened Ellesmere swimming pool to be decided
The future of an under-threat Shropshire swimming pool could soon be decided, it was revealed today.
It comes after an appeal was launched to seek someone to take over the running of Ellesmere's swimming pool.
In May last year a consultation was launched to see if any groups or organisations could take over the venue, which costs about £80,000 a year to run.
The community pool, which was built more than 40 years ago, sits on the site of Ellesmere Primary School, and is managed and maintained by the school. School bosses say the pool needs a substantial investment to bring it up to modern day standards.
Funding that the school receives from central government towards the running of the pool is also being greatly reduced over the next two years, when it will end completely – meaning the school will also have to find additional funds from existing budgets.
As a result the school started exploring possible alternative options for the future running of the pool.
Andrew Everett, headteacher at Ellesmere Primary School, said: "We are hoping to keep the pool open. Three interested parties came forward after the consultation, however since then two have withdrawn.
"We are now working with the last partner and are currently discussing plans and figures.
"It is a fantastic facility for the school and well used. We want to keep it open.
"Hopefully a decision will be made by next month."
Ellesmere swimming pool is currently used by pupils from Ellesmere Primary, Criftins Primary and Cockshutt Primary for curriculum-based swimming lessons.
Making Waves Swim School also offer children's swimming lessons at the pool.
They operate on a Sunday from 9am until noon, offering lessons which range from adult and baby to a pre-competitive squad.
Another previously under-threat swimming pool in north Shropshire is going from 'strength to strength' after being taken over.
Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre Ltd (WSLC) started managing Wem pool from January 2015.
WSLC is a charity and trustees are members of the local community who have worked tirelessly to achieve the aim to manage the pool and gym.
They are currently working on a new viewing area and gym expansion.
