Success for swimming pool rally

Crowds of swimming pool users and town centre businesses turned out at a public rally for Shrewsbury’s swimming pool on Saturday 17th October to show support for the town centre facility.

The rally, which was organised by the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Forum and the pools’ supporters, campaigned through the streets from Pride Hill to the Quarry Park where organisers stated the need for keeping the pool in its existing location, rather than building a new one out of town.

Alison McKittrick, spokesperson from the Forum said: “The turnout was fantastic and the support shows that there is definitely a strong local feeling for keeping the pool in the town centre. We believe that public support shows we can really make a difference.”

Shrewsbury BID representatives were among those who attended the rally.  Many of its 500-strong business members believe retaining a swimming pool in the town makes it more accessible to local people and is better for the local economy.

Shrewsbury BID manager, Kirsten Henly, said: “The rally gave supporters and the public an important opportunity to voice their feeling and shows the widespread concern about the future location of the Quarry Swimming Pool.

“The current consultation by Shropshire Council on future swimming provision needs to examine what is best for the whole community. Whether the existing pool is upgraded or a new one built, we feel it must remain in the town centre because of its social and economic benefits.

“A thriving town needs communal, social and leisure facilities and modern swimming and leisure provision should form part of that offer. A town centre pool encourages people to visit and spend time here and support our local businesses.”

The public consultation continues until 30th October. No decision is expected on the preferred option before February 2016.