Campaign to save Bishop's Castle's SpArC centre gathers steam

A "core" of volunteers with fundraising ideas have come forward and Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has leant his support.

A meeting to co-ordinate fundraising for the "Don't Let The SpArC Go Out, led by town mayor Councillor Karen Bavastock, has resulted in a town centre shop window display being set aside for the drive, while Mr Dunne has said he is "determined" to see it succeed.

The campaign is to raise money to keep the town's SpArC swimming pool and leisure running as Shropshire Council has announced it is to withdraw funding by April 2017.

Supporters have set a £50,000 target to save the pool to start with, though estimate a further £200,000 will be needed in the long run to keep the whole centre, which also includes a gym, sports facilities, cafe and theatre, running in the coming years.

Around £15,000 has already been raised by residents, businesses and Bishop's Castle Town Council.

Councillor Bavastock said a meeting on Wednesday was to bring together people who had more fundraising ideas for events in the coming months, with things such as a town "colour run", sponsored swim and bingo nights all put on the table.

She said: "It was a very positive meeting, we had a core of a bout 12 to 14 people there and everyone wanted to do something.

"We're talking some really great events that people are planning. It is very much a case of 'watch this space'.

"We now have a shop window in Church Street that we will use to update people on the campaign and things coming up.

"We're looking as a committee to offer whatever support is needed for anyone doing a fund raising event, to make it as easy as possible for them.

"The ideas are fantastic but we now want to make sure they become a reality."

The drive was also supported by MP Philip Dunne who met with campaigners recently.

He said the £50,000 for refurbishment would help increase use and reduce maintenance expenditure, and encouraged supporters to leave "no stone unturned" in looking for other streams of income for the centre.

He said: "I met local campaigners last week to pledge my support to keeping SpArC open for the local community.

"I am determined to work with the campaign to seek to secure a way forward, working with Shropshire Council, the town council and others.

"We need to consider all options to keep the centre open.

"But there are significant challenges to overcome, and local support will be vital," he added.