Crook ‘well below average’ for swimming pool provision
SWIMMING pool provision in Wear Valley could come under pressure if cabinet members press ahead with a proposal to close Glenholme Leisure Centre in Crook, reports suggest.
In a letter to Steve Howell, Head of Sport and Leisure at Durham County Council, Government agency Sports England tells how the number of pools in the county is “well below” the national average.
Strategic Lead Judith Rasmussen writes: “The proposed closures of Glenholme pool would further diminish provision and access to swimming.
“Our data suggests that several pools appear to be operating close to their comfortable capacities.”
Although advising the authority to avoid closing leisure centres with swimming pools, she does concede the closure of Glenholme would have less of an impact than closing other pools due to its location.
However, a cabinet report published in March, states there is already a shortage of leisure provision in Bishop Auckland.
And while a scheme to combine facilities at Woodhouse Close and Shildon at a new central site is being discussed it remains in its infancy.
Meanwhile, work to create a £15m wet and dry sports centre in Consett, 15 miles away from Crook, will not begin until next
year.
Terry Collins of Durham County Council, said the Sport and Leisure Strategy outlined the authority’s need to provide pools fairly across the county – a point recognised by Sport England.
He said the agency had also agreed pool provision was not in the best places, adding: “As such the council has already approved about £15m this year for a new wet and dry facility to be built alongside Consett Academy, indicated its desire to provide a new pool in the Bishop Auckland area and spent £250,000 modernising the community pool linked to Wolsingham School.”
For more reports and reactions on the fate of Glenholme Leisure Complex buy your copy of the Wear Valle Mercury today.