Protest over Woodchurch pool closure plan

Dec 3 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

woodchurch

WOODCHURCH swimming club is just one devastated group affected by Wirral Council’s plans for a massive building and facility shutdown.

The club’s training pool at Woodchurch Leisure Centre is on the list of three sports centres and 12 libraries due to close to save the council £3.7m in annual expenditure.

Concerns have been voiced by swimming teachers at the club who are worried their 400 children will no longer have water to swim in.

Even if the club can be transferred to another pool, there are fears that swimming time will be cut dramatically.

Brenda Thompson has taught children voluntarily at Woodchurch Swimming Club for 20 years.

She said: “Everybody at our club is so upset with the news that our leisure centre might close.

“Since the news broke the phone hasn’t stopped ringing with parents asking us if it’s all a sick joke.

“All other alternative swimming pools that we could use are already being used to full capacity, so if our club was to join them somebody would lose out.

“It will either be public swimming time or swimming clubs and lessons that will be cut to make everything fit a crowded timetable.

“Children are required by government guidelines to swim 25 meters before joining secondary school - achieving this is going to be difficult if the move goes ahead.

“Our club is keeping children healthy and it’s a social thing as well - it can totally change children with no confidence which is quite amazing to see.

“The knock-on effects of this council move could be absolutely horrendous and I fear the children and public are going to miss out on so much.”

A spokesman for Wirral Council said: “We are currently examining the programme of all swimming provision across Wirral pools.

“We will ensure that swimming provision is balanced across the borough.”

How will you be affected by the proposed closures? Tell us by e-mailing newsdesk@wirralnews.co.uk, call 288 7649 or write to Wirral News, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN.