Baths petition to make a splash at last

A PETITION set up against the decision to close Crompton Pool is finally to be heard — after almost six months.

Councillors Howard Sykes and Diane Williamson were unhappy with the decision made by Oldham Council to replace the baths with a new leisure centre in Royton, rather than consider locations in Shaw.

The council’s cabinet group decided not to operate Crompton pool due to its condition, age and running costs of the building, and decided not to reconsider other suitable sites for the new pool.

The petition was handed in on July 6, and councillors had expected it to be heard at the cabinet meeting in September - but an informal meeting was held instead of the formal one requested.

Councillor Sykes said: “We fail to understand why this has still to happen. Why the delay and feet dragging?

“If they are going to ignore the views of more than 2,500 people that is their choice, but at least have the guts to follow the council’s petitioner protocol and have a meeting as the rules say. It is now approaching six months since the petition was submitted.”

The petition is due to be heard at a meeting attended by the lead officer, a panel of elected members and the Cabinet member for education and safeguarding, on Thursday.