By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A petition calling for the repair of Southwell swimming pool as well as the construction of a new one has been described as “unrealistic” by council leaders.
The ageing pool on Nottingham Road closed in October after it was found to be leaking 9,000 litres of water a day.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has committed to spending £5.5m on a brand new swimming pool in the next two years, saying it was too old to keep repairing.
However, an online petition says two years is too long to wait for a replacement and has gathered more than 2,000 signatures.
It expresses fears the new build would get “kicked into the long grass over and over again and never come to fruition”.
Parties across the council have promised the project will happen, and say repairing the old pool is not cost effective.
Leader Councillor Paul Peacock (Lab) told a full council meeting on Thursday (March 7): “I fully understand the frustration of something highly valued being taken away.
“But throwing good money after bad isn’t the right option. Despite financial pressures, we have committed £5.5m to the new pool.”
He added: “Plenty of other communities would love a new pool.”
Councillor Rhona Holloway (Con) said: “It’s unrealistic to expect repairs and straight away building a new pool. We should stick to the plan we decided.”
Other councillors said Southwell residents should be delighted with the new facility.
Councillor Linda Tift (Lab) said: “Rainworth lost our pool and gym 12 years ago. If there is £5.5m spare and no one wants the new pool, ship it over to us.”
Southwell’s ward Councillor Peter Harris (Lib Dem) sided with the petitioners, saying: “The loss of the pool has been felt right across the town.
“I applaud the proposal to build a new swimming complex, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to wait for a minimum of two years for it.”
The new facilities – including a learner and main pool – will take around two years to construct.
The project has been delayed by the handover of the land next to the leisure centre, where the new pool is to be built.
Current owners, the Southwell Leisure Centre Trust charity, say they need permission of the Charity Commission in order to dispose of the land.
The council took over the running of the current pool from the trust three years ago.
Cllr Peacock said there had already been “three lost months”, and urged quick action.
Other facilities at the site and the learner pool will remain open while work is taking place.
