Sheffield swimming pool closure “very disappointing” but still no plans to save it

Charity King Edward’s Swimming Pool Trust, which took over running the pool from the council in 1993, closed it in May. The trust said the pool on Clarkehouse Road, Broomhall needed major repairs.

Coun Brian Holmshaw, chair of the city council communities, parks and leisure committee, told a meeting (July 15): “It’s very disappointing that the trust have decided to close the pool. It is the trust’s decision to do that.

“All the information I’ve been provided with is that is not practical to reopen the pool until a huge amount of investment can be sourced to do that.

“It isn’t safe to open the pool. That’s the top and bottom of it.”

The council said last week that essential repairs and safety-related works are estimated to cost around £200,000, with further capital investment likely to be required.

Operating the facility would require a further £200,000 subsidy per year.

He said the council has concluded that taking on responsibility for the operation or funding of the facility “would not represent a sustainable or strategic use of public resources”.

Coun Holmshaw said alternative arrangements are being made for school swimming lessons and club sessions.

Coun Joe Otten said that a council report on leisure facilities before the committee talked about the pool’s “strategic importance”.

He asked if the council was in danger of going against its own report before it had even been considered.