Budget cuts force baths closure

The pool at St Annes is not making enough money

A swimming pool is to close in Lancashire as part of cost-cutting measures by a local council.

Fylde Council's budget meeting confirmed the decision to shut St Annes baths, although the threatened Kirkham pool was saved.

The facility at St Annes "could not maintain itself in the current financial climate", deputy council leader Roger Small said.

Kirkham baths has a year to prove it has a long-term future.

Protests were organised by users of both pools when the proposals were made public.

'Good future'

Money to fund the retention of Kirkham pool will come from a number of additional budget savings and projected income, the council said.

Simon Renwick, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: "I believe Kirkham Baths has a chance for a future. A good future.

"However, we have to find a way where funding is more secure and to this end I will be calling together all interested parties to discuss the future of swimming in rural Fylde."

Kirkham's "one stop shop", a community-based council office, will also close and council tax will rise by 4.99%.

Mr Small said: "We have had to make some tough choices this year but we really have no realistic alternative available to us as we have to live within our means and cannot continue to fund all the services we have done in the past."