Swimming pool set to reopen three years after it shut

A swimming pool is set to reopen after a council committee has endorsed a plan to buy it.

Kirkham Swimming Pool in Lancashire closed in December 2021.

Following a review of the pool's condition, Fylde Council's executive committee agreed to allocate £75,000 in annual funding to secure and monitor the site.

Subject to full council approval, the authority also plans to spend £150,000 from reserves to fund further works once the pool is transferred from current owners YMCA.

Councillor Jayne Nixon said it was the "first critical step in restoring this important community asset".

The swimming pool was transferred by Fylde Council to the YMCA in 2011.

The facility suffered significant structural damage caused by Storm Arwen in December 2021 and has also suffered from vandalism.

The council said it will make essential repairs to secure the site against further decline and unauthorised access.

The decision follows a notice of motion to full council in October 2023 and consultation with the community and stakeholders regarding swimming provision in the area.

Fylde Council said the acquisition represents a "significant step" towards reinstating the "valued community facility" adding it was exploring various funding options to minimise the time it remains vacant.

It said it has submitted an expression of interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, lead Member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to ensuring swimming provision remains accessible to residents across rural Fylde.

"While we recognise the challenges ahead, securing this facility is the first critical step in restoring this important community asset."

She added: "If successful, our expression of interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund will prove vital in accelerating the restoration process and bringing this beloved pool back to life for our community."

The recommendations will be presented to full council for final approval, with the formal transfer of the facility expected to follow shortly after.

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