Swimming Pool closure round up 2013

I notice the same cycle over and over again in the UK, swimming pools closed due to structural costs way beyond what the council can afford (so they say) all over the UK i have seen the same process, first in my own back yard in Brierley Hill, and Coseley baths. But i now see the same argument, the same strategy and bullshit double-speak from the M.P's, councilors and even some of the groups, and people within the groups formed to stand up to the proposed closure and try to SAVE the pool.

It's a sad state of affairs in the UK for swimming and many other water sports that are impossible without the facilities. The sickly relationship between private business and Government muscle in the UK can be tracked and analysed by reducing the focus down to leisure centers, how they spread like supermarkets such as Tesco, and wipe out whatever maybe in its way.

To anybody reading this who is dealing with such scenarios at the moment, my best advice is to get an independent 'estimation' about the structural faults, or the work required to bring the facility up to scratch (according to sticky council regulations) as i have found the costs are usually massive over estimations baed on private contractor work.

One day, a community may build a not-for-profit, or community co-op capable of building and maintaining a leisure center, and/or swimming pool. Good luck, best wishes, Steve 'fly' Pratt.

p.s Here are some recent news clips to support my claims.
 

"A LAST-ditch bid has been launched to save Haslingden Pool by a group of residents who want to take it over from the council.
The Friends of Haslingden Baths, a community group look- ing to take control of the East Bank Avenue centre, are encouraging residents to show how great the need is for the facility by signing a support petition. More than 8,000 people signed a petition in 2011 calling on Rossendale Council to go ahead with a proposed revamp. But the campaigners fear this will be deemed out-of-date by the council which plans to sell off the building unless an interested party with a viable business model is found before September."

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/10566384.Residents_launch_bid_to_prevent_closure_of_Haslingden_swimming_pool/

The pool has ‘concrete cancer’ and needs repairs which would cost around £1.5million, an amount Rossendale Council says it cannot afford.

“Owing to the deteriorating condition of Minsthorpe Pool and the costs to carry out the major repairs needed at £1.2m, it is recommended that the pool be permanently closed and future provision be considered alongside wider review into all our leisure facilities. I understand the importance of people being able to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. However, owing to continuing financial constraints placed upon us we have to review all our services, including leisure, and cabinet faces some difficult decisions.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/wakefield-pool-closed-as-1-2m-repairs-are-ruled-out-1-5888179

"If you don't have good facilities in the city then you don't have the ability to raise great swimmers.
"I'm very frustrated," added Mr Richardson.
Under the proposals, the Springhead golf course is also earmarked for closure and the council is considering setting up a not-for-profit company to run the city's leisure services on its behalf.
A spokeswoman for the council said the proposals were yet to be discussed and would go out to public consultation, but could not give further details.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-23576382