We can keep baths afloat

FLASHBACK . . . campaigners hand over a petition to Oldham Council in July, last year (from left) councillors Howard Sykes, Diane Williamson and John Hall, with Joanne Lewis-Ryan (Shaw and District Disabled Association) and swimmers John Irlam and Rhona Lewis

A band of local swimmers is making a new public plea to save historic Crompton Pool.

Friends of Shaw Baths is creating a business plan to run the pool as a community and charitable trust.

Oldham Council plans to close the pool next year, but the volunteer campaign group is now looking for financial and physical support.

John Irlam, from FOSB, said: “We are young and growing and we are all giving our time for free. We need as many volunteers as possible, to help in any way they can.”

An increasing number of pools nationwide have become community enterprises as councils have cut their costs.

FOSB’s aim is to run the existing, refurbished pool and eventually find funding to build a new 25-metre, four-lane pool and learner pool within the facade of the 19th century original.

The local authority and parish council are helping the group towards a transfer of the pool.

Anyone keen to help can contact John Irlam on 01706-844 448.