Pooling resources in pulling-the-plug row

A 960-name petition has been handed to Oldham Council by Liberal Democrats in Shaw and Crompton protesting the decision to close the town’s ailing swimming baths.

Crompton Pool, known locally as Shaw Baths, closed in May when the boiler failed. The authority later announced the closure would be permanent. The petition calls on the council to reopen the pool immediately.

Lib-Dem parliamentary spokesman for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Shaw resident Richard Marbrow said: “Shaw has had a swimming pool for well over 100 years and the council wants to throw that history and a much-loved community facility away.”

The Lib-Dem-controlled district executive for Shaw and Crompton has offered money from district funds to Oldham Council to reopen the pool but claims it has had no response.

Mr Marbrow added: “We’re now being told the pool is too damaged to reopen because the council didn’t take immediate action when the boiler broke down. If that is the case, Liberal Democrats will campaign for a new pool to be built.”

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council also resolved to write to the council supporting moves to reopen the pool at Monday’s parish council meeting.