Discussion on pool closure plans

Speedwell swimming pool faces closure

Draft plans to close swimming pools in Bristol are going out to consultation.

The city council says it wants to replace outdated and expensive pools with refurbished facilities in "strategic locations".

In effect, this means the closure of the north Bristol Baths, Speedwell and Filwood pools, and the Robin Cousins Sports Centre in Avonmouth.

Some users, who would have to travel further to swim, are campaigning against the proposals.

The north Bristol baths in Bishopston are to shut in November, with the council being asked to approve plans to close Speedwell, Filwood and Robin Cousins at a meeting on 29 September.

Few visits

New pools are planned for Horfield and Henbury, to replace the existing baths in Henbury, Shirehampton and Bishopston, says the council.

A new PFI-funded leisure centre is scheduled for Hengrove, and Easton Leisure Centre has been recently refurbished to be the designated community pool for the north east of the city.

Councillor Simon Cook said: "People have been voting with their feet for years at these facilities.

"The number of visits is now very low and the cost per visit is very high, especially at Filwood and Robin Cousins.

"Speedwell faces particular problems because its outdated facilities are struggling to compete with the modern ones offered and planned over the border in South Gloucestershire and in the city itself at Easton."