The fight to save Cheddar swimming pool continues

15th Jan, 2009, by Jude Owens

Sedgemoor District Council Executive met on Wednesday (13/1/09) to discuss proposals that would see funding of £200,000 per year cut from The Kings of Wessex Leisure Centre swimming pool.

In the meantime the Council intends to raid funds set aside for maintenance to finance the running of the pool. Councillors have publically stated that they have no intention of closing the Cheddar pool and yet make no guarantees of future funding.

The whole community are rallying behind the "Save the Pool" campaign. The petition is attracting over 1,000 signatures a day. Large numbers of people are writing, telephoning and emailing their District Councillors, along with their MP. Public support has been overwhelming.

When the pool opened in 1998 the District Council signed a legal agreement with the Governors of the school to fund the pool for a period of 25 years. Their proposal therefore flies in the face of this agreement and their commitment to the people of the community. At the same time as funding for the Cheddar pool is being cut, the District Council have committed themselves to building a new pool at Chilton Trinity in Bridgwater.

The Governors of The Kings of Wessex School will be holding a public meeting on Thursday 22 January 2009 at 7.30pm in the School Hall for everyone in the community who is interested in this important issue.

Chair of Governors Peter Lythgoe said, "It is important to note that no one should be under any illusion that without an on-going funding commitment from Sedgemoor District Council the pool will close. The District Councillors say they want to keep the pool open, but have so far not given any commitment to further funding. Whilst they are not saying it - effectively they are condemning the pool to closure. I urge everyone in the community to stand behind this campaign."

For further information about the campaign please see the school website http://www.kowessex.co.uk/visitors/campaign/

Attendance at the Public Meeting (22/1/09)

You are invited to attend the Public Meeting as noted.

Please confirm your attendance and if you have any special requirements.
Contact the Head's PA Jude Owens (email JOwens@educ.somerset.gov.uk)