Retaining baths not value for money

East Oldham District Partnership
THE consultation period for Glodwick Pool is over and the plug is set to be pulled.

Retaining the swimming pool would not be good value for money, says Oldham Council.

The pool, which faces closure or transfer to a community partner, was discussed by East Oldham councillors. The council is also considering the future of Oldham Sports Centre, Lord Street, which could be refurbished or completely rebuilt.

Project manager Cath Inchbold said the popular features of Glodwick Pool could be moved to a new centre — including facilities for people with disabilities.

She said: “We have to make sure that we can replicate what people love about Glodwick elsewhere.

“Where we will have to replicate the unique features of Glodwick is at a new all-refurbished Oldham town-centre facility.”

The current management contract in place between the local authority and Oldham Community Leisure Ltd, which manages the borough’s leisure facilities, is due to expire. The council claims due to funding cuts from central government, they need to identify potential savings from its budgets across all services.

Glodwick Pool would need a £76,000 investment to improve the building and it is has the lowest usage of all the pools in the borough. In the 2009/10 financial year the pool made a £52,971 loss from 39,762 visitors.

Councillor Jackie Stanton slammed the consultation, which ended on Sunday, by saying: “I think it is an absolute wasted opportunity as far as East Oldham concerned, it’s the most deprived area and has the poorest health and we get nothing. I cannot see where it is possible to replicate what Glodwick will have. This consultation has been really expensive.”

St James’ ward Councillor Roger Hindle said at the meeting last night at Mayfield Primary School: “There’s absolutely nothing in St James ward. Perhaps we should be grateful there’s nothing the council can shut.”