Lib Dems attack save pools protests

9:31pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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The Telegraph & Argus has come under fire for its campaign to safeguard the future of four pools in the district.

Liberal Democrat group deputy leader Councillor David Ward tonight condemned the T&A for its stance on the advice being given to Bradford Council.

Consultants are suggesting closing pools in Bingley, Manningham and Queensbury, and at Richard Dunn Sports Centre, Odsal, and developing an eight-lane, competition-standard pool in the city.

Since the report became public three weeks ago the Save Our Swimming campaign has seen more than 2,000 people sign up to it.

Coun Ward said: “It is ridiculous to decide now what should be provided and where. We need a complete review of sporting provision across the district.

“There are some big things coming along – the Building Schools For The Future programme, the special schools reorganisation, and of course the commitment to have free swimming for all by 2012 – how on earth can we start right now without a complete review?”

He also criticised the Labour group, which brought a motion calling on the Council to safeguard the under-threat pools to the meeting of full council last night, for trying to force the Council into an “irresponsible financial commitment”.

Labour’s spokesman for sport, Councillor David Warburton, claimed the ruling Conservatives had been hanging on to the consultants report since January and had not made it public before the local elections because the proposals “actually betray your true intentions”.

The motion was defeated and an alternative Liberal Democrat amendment was carried, which calls for a comprehensive swimming facilities plan to be prepared.

It also states that in addition to building one or more new competition-sized pools, the plans also looks to small community pools to help fulfil the commitment to free swimming for all.

Conservative Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the executive member for environment and culture said they were “ambitious” and would look to provide combined leisure facilities with other services within new buildings.

The executive had previously agreed to examine how to finance the building of three new pools – one in the city centre, one in Bingley and another in Bradford South.