Swimming Pool Update (Exeter Liberal Democrats)

Exeter Liberal Democrats <info@exeterlibdems.org.uk>

Swimming Pool Update

October 1, 2008 9:00 AM

The Liberal Democrat administration on Exeter City Council recognise that due to the current difficult financial situation we can not afford a new £7m swimming pool at Clifton Hill. If the plans were to go ahead it would mean £288,000 of cuts in other services every year for 20 years due to the interest repayments on the loan required to finance the build.

They have stated that they favour the refurbishment of Pyramids at a cost of £1.75m.

However, they recognise the desire for a new pool in the City. Therefore at last night's Executive meeting Cllr. Kevin Mitchell proposed the resolution below which called for cross party co-operation to look into the possible location and funding of a new pool in the medium term. Despite all three opposition leaders opposing the resolution it was passed by 5 votes to 3 votes.

Executive Resolution:

1) rescind the decision to build a new swimming pool at Clifton Hill;

2) close the Pyramids Swimming Centre once a new facility has been provided and ensure that Pyramids continues to meet acceptable standards whilst it is in operation;

3) re-affirm the desirability of building a new swimming pool subject to it being affordable within the framework of the Council's medium term plans;

4) arrange for a meeting to be held between the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, the four group leaders, officers and users for further consideration to be given to the location and funding of a new swimming pool.

This issue will now be discussed at the Full Council meeting on the 14th of October 2008.

Cllr. Kevin Mitchell (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure) commented: " Everyone wants a new swimming pool but sadly at this time we can not afford to go ahead with the £7m build. However, we are willing to work with the other parties in order to further consider the location and funding of a new pool in the medium term. The three opposition leaders rejected this offer last night but I would hope that they would reconsider and put party politics to one side in order to find the best solution for the City".