Fears over running cost of Bradford on Avon pool (From This Is Wiltshire)

Fears over running cost of Bradford on Avon pool

10:02am Friday 16th July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

Pool-users in Bradford on Avon are concerned about who might take up the responsibility for running it should it come up for transfer in 2017.

Mayor Isabel Martindale said: “Of all the different types of sports facilities, swimming pools don’t make a profit, it would be very difficult for a group to take it on. The cost of running these facilities is extremely high.”

One of the groups most affected would be Bradford Swimming Club.

Caroline Philpott, whose daughter Emma is club captain, said: “I don’t think the club would be able to take the pool over, we are reliant on subscriptions from parents.

“We would be very worried about the future of the club if it were to close.”

Christchurch Primary school headmaster Neil Baker said: “I don’t think we would be able to afford to transport children to other pools so we would have to stop swimming lessons.”

But Corsham Town Council chairman Allan Bosley sees the potential transfer of the Springfield Leisure Centre as an opportunity for the town.

The town council makes a contribution of £24,000 a year in loan repayments to pay for the construction of the sports hall and swimming pool. Cllr Bosley said: “The leisure centre is a key part of Corsham, so it could provide a significant opportunity for all.”