Shrewsbury swimming pool campaigners to hold rally

Campaigners who want Shrewsbury’s swimming pool to remain in the town have organised a public rally on Saturday 17 October to mobilise and show support for the town centre facility.

Quarry Swimming and Fitness Forum are calling on townspeople and supporters to get behind the action which will leave from the top of Pride Hill at 11am to make its way to the rally site inside the Quarry Park by St Chads for 11.30am.

Organisers will address those assembled to state its case for keeping the pool where it is rather than building a new one out of town, which is among the options Shropshire Council is considering during the consultation period.

Alison McKittrick, spokesperson from the Forum said: “We want to call attention to our cause and show the strength of local feeling. We would urge as many people as possible to come along to the rally and back the campaign. We believe we can make a difference by demonstrating public support.”

Shrewsbury BID representatives will be among those attending 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 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 30 October. No decision is expected on the preferred option before February 2016.