Rescue setback for troubled pool

The pool opened in 2003

A rescue plan for a Cumbria swimming pool, which was forced to close last month due to financial problems, has suffered a setback.

Berners pool, in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, was forced to close its doors because of rising energy costs.

A local trust hoped to secure enough cash to enable the pool to reopen.

But South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) said it was unhappy with the lack of a business plan put forward by Cartmel Peninsula Recreational Trust.

Grange hotelier Jim Duncan had been working to secure a deal to bring together financial support which should see the pool open in the short term.

'Proper planning'

He had urged South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to put funding into the pool to secure its long-term future.

But Peter Thornton, SLDC cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: "The trustees wanted the council to put further significant investment into Berners.

"However it would be irresponsible for us to spend taxpayers' money in this way without seeing proper evidence of a thorough business plan for how the pool will be managed in future.

"Our concern is for the long-term future of the pool and we want to avoid a situation where the pool reopens only for it to close again due to a lack of proper planning."

The trustees have indicated they still wish to develop a business plan and discuss it at a future date.

The council has told the trustees if they come back with a sound business plan and more detailed financial information they will look at it.

The £3.5m facility opened in 2003 with the help of a grant from Sport England, other organisations and donations.