Referendum call on pool closures

A pool in Harlech, Gwynedd, was saved from closure after a campaign

People at a public meeting have called for a referendum on public swimming pool closures on Anglesey.

Two hundred turned out at the event in Amlwch to discuss council plans to close two of the island's three public pools.

Anglesey councillor Dylan Jones said he realised the council needed to save money, but the swimming pool was an essential service.

Council leader Clive McGregor said the decision was not reached lightly.

Speaking as people arrived for the meeting on Thursday evening, Mr Jones said the turnout was an indication of how "passionate" people were about their leisure centre.

He acknowledged that the council needed to find savings in its budget, but leisure was an important part of community life.

'Statutory service'

"We need to find another way to make sure that we do not have to touch the things which are important to the island," he said.

Executive committee member Goronwy Parry said he was sympathetic to the feelings of the people affected, but swimming was not a statutory service which the council had to provide.

Mr McGregor said the decisions to reduce the number of swimming pools had "not been reached lightly, and ultimately, [were] taken with a heavy heart".

He said public finances across the whole of the UK were currently under "extreme pressure" due to "paltry" local government settlements.

"As council leader, I have a duty, first and foremost, to protect statutory services, our social services for example, which serves many of the most vulnerable members of our community."

Efficiency savings

There are currently council-run pools at Amlwch, Holyhead and Llangefni.

The council's executive is to close two of the pools "in the interest of efficiency savings" but has not yet decided which should shut.

The executive also confirmed it is going ahead with plans, drawn up a year ago, to "withdraw from providing leisure services in Beaumaris Leisure Centre from July 1, 2010".

Campaigners recently succeeded in saving Harlech pool in Gwynedd from closure when the council decided it could not afford to upgrade it.

A review for the council had concluded the pool had "reached the end of its life" and closing it would save £160,000 a year.

But, earlier this month, it was announced a community trust would take over the running and lease it from the Gwynedd council.