Pool campaign's hopes kept afloat

Speedwell Pool may be forced to close

A decision to close two Bristol swimming pools and a sports centre is expected to be challenged.

Bristol City Council's cabinet voted unanimously on Thursday night to close Speedwell and Filwood pools and the Robin Cousins Sports Centre.

But that decision is expected to be called in by ward councillors campaigning to keep them open.

A cross party committee will then recommend whether the cabinet should look again at its decision.

The planned closure of the pools and sports centre form part of the city council's long-term strategy to deliver an improved, modernised service for residents which includes disabled access.

New pools

An effort to secure a new pool in Speedwell as part of the PFI-funded redevelopment of Speedwell Technology College was unsuccessful.

The council agreed to look at the idea of a new pool at the school but not to refurbish the old swimming pool.

In line with its strategy the council has closed Henbury and Shirehampton pools, replacing them with the new Henbury pool.

A new pool at Horfield is due to open in November replacing North Bristol pool in Bishopston.

The council has earmarked the Robin Cousins Sports Centre for closure saying it fails to attract enough visitors to make it financially viable.