Lack of funding could delay Wem's swimming pool upgrade

Friends of Wem Pool, which took over the running of the swimming centre in Bowens Field last year, said the project is moving forward – but now they need to get the cash together.

The pool was recently given the go ahead to build a £100,000 gym and spectator viewing area with work planned to start at the end of the year.

Chair of the friends group, which runs Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre, Malcolm Adkins, said: "I think it is still a possibility but we have got to get the money together by November, or else we are going to have to put it off.

"If we don't get it together, by getting people signed up to the community shares and finding someone to sponsor the project, if that doesn't happen it might not be until February or March that we can get started."

Members hope the gym will be funded through a £40,000 loan, along with funds from community shares, sponsorship and fundraising.

The pool building was previously extended to provide a spectator area but is currently used as a gym.

In the new project, the gym will be turned back into a spectator area, and a new gym with better facilities will be built to cope with demand.

Mr Adkins said the next step was to fix showers that have recently been installed but are not yet working, and decorate the building's changing rooms.

The group 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.

Since last year, when Teme Leisure stepped back from its management, it has been running the pool.

Mr Adkins said other groups have now approached it to learn how it has been achieved as many organisations look to take on their local leisure facilities, following cuts to Shropshire Council's leisure budget.

He said: "We have had about three pool groups who have approached us to see how we do it.

"It is interesting to see how town councils and groups are taking on services.

"We had said there are two things you need. You need a community that is able and willing to get its hands dirty and prepared to do something.

"You also need a council that supports you – that is the key.

"We are seen locally as a group who has done something, which is great." So far, the swimming centre has been completely refurbished, including replacement walls and floors.