Market Drayton pool gets life line

The pool in Market Drayton, could close due to falling visitor numbers.

But town councillors said they are looking into ways to get the pool opened again next year.

Shropshire Council said the outdoor pool, in Newtown Road, will be closed for the rest of the summer and could be permanently closed.

At a meeting of Market Drayton Town Council, councillors said they will get some costs about the maintenance of the pool to try and help and get it open next year.

Shropshire councillor Roy Alcroft, who represents Market Drayton East, said: "I was surprised to hear of the closure plans.

"I went to find out more about it and was told that when the outdoor pool was open last year anything ranging from £43 to £160 a day could be lost a day.

"The opening hours last year were the first weekend of July until the first weekend of September - although I am not sure how well advertised that was. How many people knew it was open was debatable.

"I think it might be too late to get it re-opened this year but I have taken the matter up with Shropshire Council and I have asked for the figures in order to get an argument to get it opened next year.

"There are currently weeds going out of the cover of the pool and in the area surrounding it. But we certainly want to help to get it back open next year."

Councillor Mark Whittle said: "We are due some money from the new builds being constructed in the town - could we use that for the outdoor pool.

"There are less than 20 outdoor pools nationwide and this is something to protect.

"We could offer between £5,000 and £7,000 a year to help maintain the outdoor pool."

Councillor Aldcroft said he would bring back maintenance figures to the next meeting of the town council's community and governance.

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.

Councillor Lezley Picton, council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “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."