Shrewsbury swimming gala cancelled again due to Quarry Pool problems

Shrewsbury Masters was due to hold its meet on the first Saturday in January but has had to call the event off after crucial timing equipment broke down.

The timing machine at the Quarry pool, which is owned by Shropshire Council, has broken and because of its age it cannot be repaired.

Now Shropshire Council has said it cannot justify spending £6,000 to replace it while discussions about the future of the pool are ongoing.

Bernard Wills, chairman of the Masters said he was bitterly disappointed at having to cancel the event.

"The gala is a highlight for us," he said. "It brings a lot of money in to the town that weekend with people staying in hotels and B&Bs and eating in the restaurants, bars and cafes. We have people coming from all over the country and it is really disappointing for them.

"A few months ago I noticed that the poolside time machine was faulty so I asked the council if they could mend it or bring in another from the pool in Market Drayton. But they didn't, they said no, they just didn't seem to care.

"This gala is crucial to swimmers. It allows them to obtain their rankings and then they can compete in bigger events around the country. The next meet where they can do this isn't until March so the gala we have is very important."

Last year the club was forced to cancel the gala, which had been held for the past 12 years, after a poolside pane of glass shattered and fell in to the pool, leading to a major clean-up operation.

Maintenance

The future of the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre is uncertain as Shropshire Council are currently deciding whether to refurbish it or shut it or build another elsewhere.

Bernard added: "We have been told there is maintenance being done on the pool but it is clear there is not. Nobody seems to care. The diving boards have not been properly open for three years.

"It is important to have a fitness centre in the heart of Shrewsbury but nothing seems to move forward. What is going on? Whatever happens with the future of the pool, the Quarry Swimming pool needs to stay open at least for the next couple of years. It is just so frustrating."

Councillor Lezley Picton, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said the council is looking into temporary solutions to allow the club to hold meets in the future.

She added: "Replacing the system would cost in excess of £6,000 and due to the uncertainty over the future of the centre and the fact the it would be used on a very limited basis it was felt that this spend could not be justified.

“We fully empathise with Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club and are disappointed that the timing system can no longer be used. However, further investigations are being undertaken to identify a suitable cost effective portable system that could provide a temporary solution and enable the club to hold future galas at The Quarry while decisions are made regarding its future.”