EXCLUSIVE: Local MP Shows Support for Community Swimming Pool

Local Parliamentarian, Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, today visited the Wragby and District Swimming Pool located on Silver Street, behind the Town Hall, in Wragby and congratulated those participating in a fundraising sponsored swim.

Above: Edward Leigh MP enjoys the water of the Wragby
& District Swimming Pool.

© 2011 John Edwards

The valued community facility is struggling to survive, but Mr. Leigh, a keen swimmer himself, wanted to praise the efforts of the local volunteers who run the pool and the individuals who were swimming to keep it open. Edward said:

“It is a real pleasure to support the Wragby and District Swimming Pool with their sponsored swim this afternoon. This pool is a vital community asset which needs to be supported and used if it is to have a viable future.

“'I have always been a great advocate swimming, the benefits of which are numerous. When I am in London I try to swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park every morning, rain, shine or snow.

“This facility is made available to local residents because of the hard work of the committee, volunteers, and staff who give their time, efforts, and money to support the pool. I hope that it will continue for many years to come and that local people who may not have visited the pool will come and give it a try.”

Wragby & District Swimming Pool is a small, privately owned pool that is 15m long x 6m wide, with a depth ranging from 1m to 1.8m. There are male and female changing rooms, as well as a toilet and shower room for the disabled.

The pool offers a range of swimming sessions to suit all ages, from Mother & Toddler sessions, under 12s fun sessions, through to Adults and Over 60s sessions. A number of disabled groups use the pool.

Following the decision by West Lindsey District Council not to proceed with plans to build a swimming pool in the nearby town of Market Rasen the pool in Wragby remains the nearest facility. With the only other public swimming pool in the constituency being at West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough, this facility is an important amenity.

West Lindsey District Council Keep Free Swimming For The Summer Despite Cuts

Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council has pledged to keep free swimming for the young and old throughout the duration of the summer holidays.

The news comes just weeks after the Coalition Government axed the funding for the free swimming programme - aimed at under 16's and over 65's.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), said:

"At the moment we are the only council in Lincolnshire, who have made a commitment to go down this route.

"We have taken the decision after careful consideration and believe we have made the right decision for the local community.

"In May, more than three thousand people accessed the free service in West Lindsey, helping to keep them occupied and lead a healthier lifestyle.

"As a council we are delighted to be able to continue to provide the service especially through-out the summer holidays until the end of August."

Figures show that in May, 2,114 under 16 year-old and 902 people over the age of 60 accessed the service.

Mr. Dick Holmes a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said:

"We fully support the continuation of this initiative. The police service in general works hard to provide diverse activities for children and young people particularly through the summer holidays. The fact West Lindsey District Council is keeping the free swimming throughout the summer can only assist us with that."

To be eligible for free swimming applicants need to register at the leisure centre and provide proof of age, either with a birth certificate or a bus pass.

For more details visit the West Lindsey Leisure Centre, The Avenue, Gainsborough or call (01427) 615169.