'Once that’s gone there is nowhere at all, especially for those who cannot drive. Where are they going to go?'
It was announced last week that Whitworth Leisure Centre will be closing in July due to the impact of inflationary pressures and operating costs. It will also see the pool close as well as the gym.
The council states on its website that there is a longer-term vision for leisure that includes a new facility in the east of the borough to replace Whitworth and this would be a priority as soon as funding can be identified. However, Victoria says residents want a guarantee from the council that a new pool facility will be built in Whitworth.
“The centre has always been warm and friendly. Surely with funding we could save the building and keep it open? She says if it wasn’t for Whitworth Leisure Centre she would have never had the opportunity to swim with Claire. She says she cannot travel to other leisure centres as she is restricted for time due to work. Zoe, 36, said: “I think it’s an absolute devastation losing the pool and I was upset to hear about its closure because it was a big part of my childhood.
She also has fond memories of attending her children’s first swimming lessons, watching mums and babies joyfully use the baby pool and having a good time with her family in the pool. “The lack of support for leisure facilities and the rising cost of running them is a cause for concern for many not-for-profit sports clubs that don’t have the money to own their own facility.”
Karen Barber, from Shawclough, began going to the centre four times a week to swim as part of her recent health kick. She says she found a new love of swimming and going to Whitworth Pool has helped her to stay healthy and improve her mental health.
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