A PETITION calling on GLL to reopen the small teaching pool at the Health Hydro on Milton Road is within touching distance of 2,000 signatures.

The pool was initially closed in January for maintenance work after a leak developed, but by March it became clear that it would not be reopening.

At last week’s cabinet meeting, campaigners voiced their concerns about the future of the pool in the hands of the private leisure firm.

Now they are asking the council to use their influence to ensure that GLL meet the expectations of the community and take steps to reopen the pool.

John Coe, who launched the Save Our Pool campaign, said: “The closure of this pool, the top teaching pool in the county, has hit local swimming hard.

“Many of us were taught to swim there – our parents, our grandparents, our children and our grandchildren.

“This wasn’t some underused facility – since it closed, swimming clubs have had to turn away 400 members because there is just no capacity.”

While the firm have said that they have taken steps to accommodate the teaching pool’s timetable within the larger main pool, John believes that is missing the point.

He added: “If you want to see something scary, go along to an adult’s class and watch them try to learn in the large pool – they’re terrified.

“What makes this pool special is its size – its length, its width and its depth are perfect for learning.”

Campaigners argue that since GLL took over the facilities almost two years ago, there has been a decline in maintenance running contrary to their obligations as the guardian of such a historic asset.

Cabinet members were challenged on what monitoring the council was engaged in to ensure that GLL were meeting their obligations as a leisure provider – they were asked to be clear about the terms and conditions put in place when the facility was handed over.

The leader of the council, David Renard, expressed some sympathy with the concerns of pool users.

He said that meetings were scheduled with GLL in the near future and that the issues raised would form part of those discussions.

Mr Coe left councillors with a question. He said: “We all enjoyed watching the Olympics, we all enjoyed watching Jazz Carlin win her silver medals – four Olympians learnt to swim in that pool.

“The basic question is where is our next one going to come from?”

The Save Our Pool petition now stands at 1,831 signatures. 169 short of their target of 2,000.

To add your support, visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/re-open-the-small-pool-at-health-hydro-swindon