Hindley is to keep its swimming pool after a landmark deal was approved by Wigan Council’s ruling cabinet.Hindley is to keep its swimming pool after a landmark deal was approved by Wigan Council’s ruling cabinet.
Hindley is to keep its swimming pool after a
landmark deal was approved by Wigan Council’s ruling cabinet.
The Phoenix Group – a voluntary group which
includes ward councillors and local businessmen and women – successfully bid to
run the facility after the pool had been identified for closure a year
ago.
Cllr Chris Ready, the cabinet lead for
leisure, says: "I am delighted that the pool is to stay open. I would like to
pay tribute to colleagues who have worked hard on the detail but most of all I
want to thank the Phoenix Group, who have prepared a good bid which we hope will
assure a future for the pool.”
Council and Trust staff as well as members
of the Phoenix Group have pledged that, when they assume control of the premises
next February, there will be a smooth transfer and the service for swimmers will
continue uninterrupted.
The site had been identified for closure by
Wigan Council as part of the savings targets expected of Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust by 2013/14. The change of management to the community will mean a
saving of £97,000 a year for residents.
Local MP Yvonne Fovargue adds: ""This is
good news for the community and I am pleased that swimming will continue in
Hindley thanks to the efforts of all parties. We’re all aware that in the
current economic climate that there is a severe pressure on budgets so this
innovative approach and partnership working between the council and local people
is to be commended.”
Cllr Ready says: "We took the decision to
close the pool in June 2011 with genuinely heavy hearts. It’s not what anyone
would have wanted but faced with having to make massive cutbacks, we had no
option. We identified funds to keep the pool open whilst interested parties
came forward and I am absolutely thrilled that this extra time has allowed the
Phoenix Group to put this plan together.”
There are no staffing implications as Trust
staff would be offered posts elsewhere.
The Phoenix Group have been in regular
contact with the Pelican Group, which now runs Tyldesley Baths, to see how their
model of community management is operating. The group are looking for further
support from the community: would-be volunteers are invited to email them on
hindleyphoenix@hotmail.co.uk or call Margaret Rowson on 01942
510532.
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