Action plan agreed for Maesteg Swimming Pool
A financial action plan to secure the immediate future of Maesteg Swimming Pool has been agreed by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet.
The authority has been following rigorous water safety procedures in addition to usual checks and measures in recent months because of ongoing problems with the pool’s ageing filtration plant.
But a decision was taken to close the pool to swimmers yesterday (Monday) following expert advice suggesting that in time the measures would not be enough to safeguard pool users from potential risks.
Today (Tuesday) Cabinet agreed proposals presented in an emergency report which will see up to £600k being spent on upgrading the mechanical services at the pool, subject to further technical assessments.
Council Leader Councillor Mel Nott said: “We wanted to act quickly and decisively because we recognise that this is a popular pool and the community would be looking for reassurance.
“We asked for an emergency report to be presented and have agreed that the authority will make an investment of up to £600k to make those essential upgrades.
“We do not make decisions about investing or cutting resources lightly, but as a Cabinet we are agreed that this is an important facility for the Llynfi Valley and the repairs will be made.”
He added: “The disappointing element for swimmers is that the pool will now have to be closed while these upgrades take place. We have no choice on that but we will try and complete the work as quickly as possible. We are also putting in measures to ensure that our other pools and centres can cope with any additional demand.
“While it is not as convenient as a pool local to the Llynfi Valley, the new centre at Ynysawdre is an excellent facility for Maesteg swimmers who want to use it in the interim.
“I fully recognise that the closure will be inconvenient in the short term, but we are simply not prepared to risk the health of users. While the pool has been operating safety until now, the system is no longer equipped to cope and the water might become contaminated in the future. That is not a risk we are prepared to take.”
Maesteg Swimming Pool was originally built in the 1930s as an open-air pool. Major works and extensions were carried out in 1960 and 1990.
During the closure the pools at Bridgend Recreation Centre, Ynysawdre, Pyle and Pencoed will still be available, alongside the borough’s privately owned swimming pools and school facilities.
- Last Updated: 28/01/2010
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