Thousands sign petition to save Bingley Pool

Around 4,500 people have signed the petition to Bradford Council whose elected members will debate plans to close Bingley Pool when they meet on Tuesday.

Councillor John Pennington, who represents the Bingley ward, said: “If nothing else it proves the strength of feeling in Bingley and the demand for the facilities that a pool can offer. It is good for children because it teaches them to swim. It also does a lot for the elderly which, of course, keeps them fit.

“The alternative, if Bingley Pool is closed, is for people to travel to Shipley but Shipley is so busy it cannot take any more swimmers.

“I would like it saved but, on the other hand, I would be more enthusiastic about a new pool in Bingley.”

The possible closure is part of a wider proposed programme, which will also be debated. This would provide a new city centre sports facility and three new community swimming pools but would also involve disposing of the existing Richard Dunn Sports Centre as well as Bowling, Bingley and Queensbury pools.