Holiday axe for Market Drayton outdoor pool met with dismay

The pool in Newtown Road stayed shut during the hottest days of the year so far – and will be closed for the rest of the summer, Shropshire Council has confirmed.

Last year the opening hours of the pool were cut after visitor numbers had tailed off in recent years, according to managers of the venue.

Now the council says it is “considering the future” of the pool, which includes plans to permanently close the facility.

People have criticised the closures, saying the outdoor pool is an asset which should be protected. In past years the pool was open during the summer holidays. Hundreds would flock to the pool every day in July and August.

Commenting on the Drayton Crier Facebook page, Susie Edge said: "It's such a shame on many occasions we've tried to use the outdoor pool and been turned away or told over the phone it's not open today, if it's never open it can't be used, or make money.

"The old outdoor pool had a great atmosphere and was always packed throughout the whole of summer even though their were significantly fewer people in Drayton in them days.

"We were upset to hear it wasn't going to open at all this summer. The nearest outdoor pool is Nantwich surely using the outdoor pool and marketing it properly would be excellent for the wider economy too and put our town back on the map with visitors from the Potteries and Telford, Stafford Shrewsbury etc.

"I'd urge the council to be pro active in keeping it having it open more and making it the fun place to be it always was. It's a unique selling point for our town."

Ray Bowen said: "Wee used to use it like a youth club in the 70's with loads of us going most days once it opened in the spring."

Frances Hunt commented: "It would be a shame if it's closed. I spent my childhood in the old outdoor pool, I remember summers where the queues were miles long and the place was packed and the cafe on site was always busy."

Linda Willatt added: "It used to a great meeting place for families and friends especially on good days sun bathing swimming and loads of fun. Get those days back!"

Councillor Lezley Picton, council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “It is with much regret that Shropshire Council has had to come to a decision not to open the outdoor swimming pool this summer due to the lack of usage over the past few years.

“We are considering the future of this facility as it has continued to operate at a loss because of the decline in usage. As a result of this uncertainty, the pool won’t be in operation this year but discussions will be taking place with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust to consider its future.

“The trust is still offering a host of activities throughout the summer as well as their usual sessions.”

A number of residents posted their displeasure at the outdoor pool being closed on social media. Clair Young posted: “There won’t be any custom because it is never open. What a waste – it could be such an asset to our town.”

Andrew Smith said: “They need to get their act together and open it weather dependant.

“They need a paddling/kiddies pool there too and also sun lounges and parasols, could charge a small fee like they do on the beaches on holiday. Maybe even a big sand pit too.

“Can the town council work alongside the pool to manage it as a community asset and still use changing facilities and lifeguard and reception staff.

“It is an asset to the town in general and I really don’t think they are making best use of it. It will always be at the whim of the weather but most years it should be able to pay its way and in weather like this it should earn some good coin.”

Katie Perkins-Rees added: “They are clearly not marketing it well enough.”

Tracy Parker-Bowen said: “A small fee to use it would work and they could make a killing, which in turn could go towards the maintenance of the pool. No excuse really.”