Market Drayton outdoor pool could re-open

It would cost £11,000 to get the outdoor pool in Market Drayton up and running again in August next year.

Town councillors are continuing to look into ways to get the pool re-opened again but said this would only be possible if the demand was there.

Earlier this summer Shropshire Council said the outdoor pool, in Newtown Road, will be closed for the rest of the summer and could be permanently closed due to falling visitor numbers.

Shropshire councillor Roy Alcroft, who represents Market Drayton East, said: "I have been looking into the possibilities of re-opening the outdoor pool.

"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.

"It will cost £11,000 to get the pool open for August next year.

"What we are looking at now is if this will be viable.

"There would need to be enough users to get the money back.

"We are still looking into this and it will be discussed at the town meeting.

"Councillors will listen to the public and see if there is a demand to get the pool back open again. When we know the situation we will look into the funding options."

Resident Sheila Ottolini said the outdoor pool would be used by more swimmers if it was opened more frequently and well advertised.

She welcomed plans to re-open it. She added: "I would use the pool and spread the word if it was opened for a trial period. It is a great facility for the town and should be protected."

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 Shropshire Council has said 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.

Shropshire 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.”

The outdoor pool will be discussed at a town meeting on September 6 at 7pm in the Festival Drayton Centre, Frogmore Road.

There will be the opportunity for questions from members of the public.