Cheddar Pool is Saved!

21st Jan, 2009

We are delighted to inform you that the future of Cheddar Pool is now safe.

Following meetings yesterday between the Headteacher and Governors at The Kings of Wessex School and representatives of Sedgemoor District Council an agreement was reached regarding future funding of the pool.

Sedgemoor District Council will continue to make an annual revenue contribution towards the day-to-day running costs of the pool, while at the same time providing funding to maintain the facility. The negotiated agreement sees Sedgemoor District Council and The Kings of Wessex School agreeing to a £400,000 cap on the maintenance fund, which will ensure adequate funding to carry out ongoing repairs and maintenance. Sedgemoor District Council will take the balance of the maintenance fund above £400,000 as savings.

The Kings of Wessex School and Sedgemoor District Council are committed to working closely together to maximise income and, reduce where possible, the level of subsidy without compromising the current high standards of service to the community.

This is a tremendous outcome for the whole community and we would like to thank everyone for their huge support in the 'Save the Pool' Campaign. The support that we received was overwhelming with over 5,000 people signing the petition and hundreds of letters sent to councillors.

We are grateful that Sedgemoor District Council listened to the strength of feeling on this issue and responded to the views of our community. Their positive response will ensure that the pool continues to receive adequate funding to remain open and in a good state of repair for the years ahead.

The public meeting arranged for this Thursday 22 January 2009 at 7.30pm in The Kings of Wessex School Hall has therefore been cancelled.