Friends get green light for £100,000 gym at Wem swimming pool
A community group that helped save a Wem swimming pool from closure have been given the green light to build a £100,000 gym.
Planning permission has been granted for The Friends of Wem Pool to create a gym and spectator viewing area at the town's Swimming and Lifestyle Centre in Bowens Field.
Friends chairman Malcolm Adkins said the group was starting to get together finances together for the extension.
He said: "We are very pleased to be granted planning permission.
"It means we can now look at getting funding for the plans.
"We have just finished our draft business plan so we will now be going to local companies to see if they will sponsor the project.
"We will then get the rest of the funds from community shares and a £40,000 loan from the bank.
"Then we hope to start work on the building by the end of the year."
The pool building was previously extended to provide a spectator area but is presently in use as a gym.
The gym itself was established some time ago but due to popularity and demand bosses say a new gym is needed to improve facilities.
The proposal will also allow for the original extension to revert back to a spectator area.
It is hoped the new layout will resolve a community criticism over the current lack of spectator facilities.
Jane Preece, case officer for Shropshire Council, said: "The proposal will help maintain existing jobs and will provide for one additional employee.
"The proposal is considered to be of an acceptable siting, scale, design and use that will enhance the sports and leisure facilities locally.
"It will create employment and will not adversely impact on the residential amenities of neighbours or the general amenities of the locality."
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 took over the running of the pool last year when previous bosses Teme Leisure stepped back from management while keeping a team of staff at the centre.
Since being taken over by the friends group, the swimming centre has been completely refurbished, which included replacement walls and floors.
For further information about the friends group, the leisure centre or how to volunteer visit www.wemswimmingandlifestylecentre.org.uk or call 01939 232460.
