Politics
Pool Saved as Gov’s Closure Proposal Sunk
This follows a meeting with MHKs, MLCs and commissioners last night that was chaired by Dr Michelle Haywood MHK.
The gov has performed a screeching u-turn and committed to keeping funding levels in place to allow the southern swimming pool to stay open.
This follows a meeting with MHKs, MLCs and commissioners last night that was chaired by Dr Michelle Haywood MHK.
That meeting saw Speaker Juan Watterson present a ‘survival plan’ for the pool, based on the subvention staying at the same level in previous years, and using data from the Pool’s budget projections. It was agreed by the Local Authority members that they would broadly support the survival plan.
The ‘make do and mend’ plan is designed to keep the Pool running until a new facility, including a swimming pool is constructed as part of the redevelopment of Castle Rushen High School.
On the back of the financial plan provided, the DESC has said that it will continue to provide £434k of financial support to enable the ongoing operation of the Southern Swimming Pool.
Minister Julie Edge MHK said: ‘I acknowledge this has been a very difficult period and I would like to recognise the work that has taken place within the community to present a workable plan.
‘I am sure all parties will acknowledge that the Southern Pool is coming to the end of its economic life and we are all looking to minimise the gap between failure of the current facilities and the development of a replacement pool. I will be seeking to clarify our future plans for a swimming pool as part of the new Castle Rushen High School development to the House of Keys on Tuesday.
‘I remain committed to working with all the regional pool boards and local stakeholders. I hope to meet with the Southern Board in the near future. I will be also seeking clarification from the Northern and Western swimming pool boards with regards to their respective financial position.’
The department has also said that it doesn’t consider this to be a u-turn. Following the presentation of the new proposal to continue operating without an increase in subvention, the position of providing a subvention of £434,000 has not changed.
