Divers share deep concerns

DISGRUNTLED divers desperate to secure a deep-water pool in Royton were set to continue their fight today.

Members of the Sub Aqua Diving Club will be joined by water polo players and synchronised swimmers to meet Royton councillor Steve Bashforth to discuss plans for the new leisure centre.

The new centre will house a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool with spectator seating, a separate learner pool, an 80-station fitness gym, two exercise/dance studios and a car park.

There are no plans for a deep water pool that could accommodate specialised users such as divers, water polo players and synchronised swimmers.

The borough will thus be without such a pool when Oldham Sports Centre in Lord Street — which has a diving pool — is replaced by a new centre later this year.

James Holdaway, who regularly uses the deep-water pool, is urging councillors to rethink the plans for Royton to give those who play specialist sports somewhere to train.

He said: “When the current Oldham Sports Centre closes the nearest diving pool will be at the Aquatics Centre in Manchester.

“This is a devastating blow for the borough - their children will travel with divers and once they are established at a club outside Oldham, they will not come back.”