Baths protest makes TV news

Demonstration organiser Joanne Lewis-Ryan is interviewed by Granada TV reporter Tim Scott

TV cameras rolled in Shaw as demonstrators made a last-ditch attempt to save Crompton Pool from the threat of closure.

Granada TV was called in by Joanne Lewis-Ryan, who organised the demonstration as public consultation on plans for the Farrow Street pool, in Shaw, closed. Their plight was highlighted on Sunday’s “Granada Reports”.

Joanne is a member of Shaw and District Disabled Association, which has for the past 25 years used the pool every second Sunday.

The 49-year-old mother of a 16-year-old son said: “I have rung the council and sent emails about this but no one bothers to get back to me.

“This was really just a cry for help because I couldn’t think what else to do.”

She explained: “Meeting at the pool is a chance for our members to get together and socialise. It has a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere, and has helped to keep the group going, but now the pool is under threat of being closed.

Joanne added: “I have been to every single meeting the council has held on this issue and I am angry because I don’t feel the public have really been involved in any decision that will be made.

“I wanted to stand up and be taken notice of. Someone has to fight for people’s needs in this area.

Joanne organised the demonstration on behalf of Shaw and District Disabled Association, but invited anyone who felt strongly about the threat of losing the pool to join in. Around 50 people joined the demonstration.

She said: “I am very pleased with the number of people who turned out. I think it went really well. I would like to think it would help our cause, but I think it’s already sewn up and I don’t really believe the public has been involved.”

l Retaining baths is “not value for money” — Page 9