We'll fight closure of Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool, say campaigners

Published: December 6, 2007
We'll fight closure of Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool, say campaigners

Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool

A new campaign group has been set up in Burnham-On-Sea to fight controversial plans to permanently close the town's swimming pool.

Burnham-On-Sea.com reported on Wednesday how cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council had announced plans to shut the Berrow Road pool by April 2008 because it is losing up to £250,000 a year.

The proposals have been met with shock and dismay by pool users and local residents, who argue that a swimming facility is essential in Burnham.

Now, a campaign group has been created to explore the various options for keeping a swimming facility in the town.

Burnham's swimming pool Organiser Tom Ashton says he already has a growing list of more than a dozen supporters who have joined the group, which has been named 'SOS' - Save Our Swimming pool.

Tom, who has been using the pool since 1980, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday: "There's a huge amount of support in Burnham to keep a swimming pool here, which is why this group has been set up. We can't just let this facility go without a fight."

He said that a first full meeting of SOS will be held during the coming days to look at the council's proposals in detail and to decide on how to take the campaign forward. He added that he hopes to meet with Burnham's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, shortly to discuss the plans further.

"Just last week, a survey of Sedgemoor Tourism Association members found that local businesses rated the possible loss of Burnham's pool as their third greatest concern," said Tom.

"The survey found a lack of toilet facilities in the town was the highest concern among all members, followed by parking for 80% of members, the pool for 50%, and inadequate signage for 40%."

"This clearly shows that the loss of the pool could well impact Burnham's tourism trade, as well as local residents who use the pool."