Castleton Health and Leisure Centre celebrates one-year anniversary

Castleton Health and Leisure Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary of being reopen to the public, following a community asset transfer last year.

The former Castleton Swimming Pool opened its doors to the public under its new name on Monday 16 October 2017 after the century-old baths had been forced to close twice in 2016 after the presence of deadly legionella in the showers was discovered.

The pool’s long-term future was secured following a community asset transfer to Crewe Industrial, which restored the baths to their former glory, renaming it Castleton Health and Leisure Centre in the process.

Castleton Swimming club, Aquabears and Starfish School of Swimming have gone from strength to strength since returning last September, and the leisure centre is preparing to start their own lessons due to public demand.

Facility manager Jo Potts said: “We’ve got so much to celebrate in our first year of being reopen. The new school year has brought an influx of new swimmers using our facilities for lessons, and our swimming schools are doing exceptionally well.

“We’ve been able to invest in specialist equipment, such as the water walkers, meaning we can offer pool parties with a difference.”

The swimming pool was well-used during the summer holiday fun session, with the water walker sessions being full packed out.

The community interest company also won thousands of pounds, thanks to the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, which means the centre has been able to invest in a wobbly obstacle course.

Jo added: “The wobbly obstacle course is on its way and we are planning to enter the scheme again to raise funds towards our much-desired hydrotherapy pool.”

Councillor Billy Sheerin, who learned to swim at the baths, has also helped raise funds towards important lifesaving equipment since the pool reopened.

The National Pool Lifeguard course was also a huge success with all 12 candidates passing the qualification.

This course is running once again during October half term; call 01706 853637 if you’re interested. Candidates must be age 16+

October half-term timetable:

• General public swim 10 – 11.30am (Mon, Wed, Fri)
• Ladies only - Mon 11.45 - 1pm (Mon)
• Adults only 11.45 – 1pm (Tues - Fri)
• Fun session 1.30 – 3.30pm (Mon - Fri)

Visit the Castleton Health and Leisure Centre web site for more information: 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/castleton-health-and-leisure-centre