Since our last statement much has happened, and many meetings have
been held with the two Labour MP’s Andy Burnham for Leigh and Barbara Keeley for Worsley and Brian Wilson Councillor
for Astley and Mosley Common. They have read our findings and are putting forward
a plan for a “3 Pool Project”. The last meeting on the 30th
September was the most important where the above named people, plus a senior officer of Sport England and many others including
representatives of schools in Tyldesley met for an informal meeting to discuss the usage of Tyldesley Pool.
During the meeting it became evident to the majority that both Tyldesley
and Howe
Bridge were fully utilised and that more water time was needed in all
areas, not less. This issue was highlighted by the representatives from the schools
giving reasons why the pupils are not achieving Government targets.
Atherton Swimming Club representative Pat Gabbitas stated that they
were looking forward to moving to the new pool, also that people from that area should be encouraged to use the new pool and
not expect swimmers to re-locate from Atherton/Tyldesley Pools.
Brian Wilson explained that Wigan Pool was still under discussion
as to where it will be situated. At the moment it looks like the pool will be
built on the same site as it is now, which means that Wigan will not have a pool for approx. 2 years whilst reconstruction
takes place, so no decision will be taken about Tyldesley Pool for at least 5 years.
It has also been noted that Tyldesley Pool will have to be maintained,
so every effort will be made to find monies to keep the pool in good repair.
It is quite gratifying that all the information researched by the
club, which had been presented to all the relevant people, has been recognised, and a decision was taken that a matrix system
will now be operated to all users of the pool to gather information of present usage, and for the future.
There will be further meetings and I will endeavour to keep you
all informed of future plans for the pool.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone
who supported our efforts to keep the pool open by writing individual letters/posters/petitions, and by any other means. All of these contributed towards our case for re-investigation of the decision to
close the pool.
