Castleton Swimming Pool saved

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Castleton Swimming Pool

The future of Castleton Swimming Pool no longer hangs in the balance, after the Cabinet unanimously agreed to a community asset transfer of the baths to Crewe Industrial.

Even though the pool, which is over 100-years-old, was a well-used facility by Aquabears, Starfish, Castleton Swimming Club, and several local schools, the threat of closure was very real, especially after the presence of deadly legionella in the showers forced the baths to close in May and December last year. Replacing the pipework and making the pool safe would have cost in the region of £120,000.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/103053/castleton-swimming-pool-forced-to-close-after-deadly-bacteria-found-in-water

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106827/castleton-swimming-pool-closed-after-legionella-found-again

The possibility of a Community Transfer Asset was raised by leader of the council, Richard Farnell when he asked Councillor Billy Sheerin to investigate. A community asset transfer allows the transfer of ownership of public land and buildings from its owner (usually a local authority) to a community organisation (such as a Development Trust, a Community Interest Company or a social enterprise) for less than market value – to achieve a local social, economic or environmental benefit.

Thousands of buildings and spaces across England, such as swimming pools, town halls, libraries and parks, have all been taken on and successfully managed by community organisations or companies which have community interest for the benefit of their local community.

Councillor Sheerin consulted with Aquabears swimming coach, Mark Crouch. With this idea in mind, Mr Crouch approached Crewe Industrial, a local company behind the restoration of the former Castleton Carnegie Library building, and which also restored Blue Pits Mill.

Owner Nick Crewe, a born and bred Castletonian, wants to help return Castleton to its former glory. After consideration, he showed an interest and meetings with the council began. An acceptable lease was agreed on after negotiations and several compromises.

Following the cabinet meeting, the Board of Link4life, the council’s social enterprise which runs leisure and sports facilities, agreed to surrender its lease of the pool.

One major requirement in the lease is that more pool time must be given to the public to fulfil the community aspect of the transfer.

The pool will reopen as Castleton Leisure Centre Limited, and Director Gary Ellis hopes it will be up and running in time for the September school term.

He said: “We’re in a pre-lease stage to complete the repairs before we take on the lease, which is for 125-years. We hope to make it sustainable for the future.

“There’s not as much needs doing as initially thought, with internal repairs to the pipes and water storage to negate the risk of legionella. External work is planned to make it as pretty as the library, hopefully before the end of the year.

“We’ve signed all the schools back up and hope to have some leisure facilities, and are looking at classes like water aerobics. We’d like to have a morning session and an evening session for the public as well as times outside of the school term and weekend sessions.

“We’d also like to thank the Council for its help with the lease and the building team. Janet Butterworth and the leader were very supportive of us and Billy was instrumental.”

Aquabears coach Mr Crouch said: “It’s excellent news. We’re very thankful to Nick Crewe and Gary Ellis because without them, we’d be sunk. We were struggling and we were having difficulties running the programme. It did have an impact on us as we lost around 130 swimmers since December and it impacted us financially as well.

“We’re looking forward now to rebuild the programme and we’re very impressed with Crewe’s plans. It’ll benefit ourselves and the general public. We’re pleased to be back.”

Councillor Sheerin, who learned to swim at the pool, as did members of his family, said: “The new lease has been duly signed and Castleton pool has not only been saved, but now has a bright new future that several months ago was only a dream with the stark reality of demolition looming large.

“The pool was saved at the proverbial ninth hour due to the desire and hard work of many, especially those who believe in Castleton and its regeneration.

Councillor Aasim Rashid commented: “I am delighted that Castleton Pool has been saved. It is a great facility.”

Leader of the Council, Richard Farnell, added: “It is supported by a local entrepreneur who is investing a substantial amount to upgrade and expand the facilities. It secures the future for this popular pool which is also home to a number of swimming clubs.

“Thanks go to the Castleton councillors Billy Sheerin, Jean Hornby and Aasim Rashid who have led the campaign and worked tirelessly to keep the pool open. That's what being an effective local councillor is all about.”