Pool plans take a dive

THE axing of a diving pool from the new Oldham Sports Centre plans will close an aquatic club.

Oldham Diving Club claims it won’t survive now a deep-water pool has been dropped form the plans.

A petition of 3,000 signatures, including those of Olympic diver Tom Daley and his coach asked for a pool to be retained

Steve D’Rane, of the long-established club, said: “I firmly believe this decision was made 12 months ago and we will not survive.

“This would not only stop divers using the facility, but canoeists, sub-aqua clubs and schools.”

Councillor Hugh McDonald said yesterday that the council has to find additional budget savings of £7.5 million after a reduced settlement from Government earlier in the year.

Bigger swimming and learner pools, and a learner pool with moveable floor — offering deep water for diving — were considered, according to a council report.

No significant changes are proposed to the original Royton facility specification, although a café option was removed after consultation with local traders.

Councillor McDonald said: “We have had to find more savings and we hope we can work with the clubs to find a solution.

“Other options were not agreed for a range of reasons and the fact alternative facilities are already — or are going to be — available for specialist interests like diving.”



OLDHAM Sub-Aqua believes the loss of the deep pool will “seriously hinder” its training ability.
Secretary Dave Hackman says losing the pool is an “insult”.

He said: “We feel badly let down by our elected council. In two years we will have nearly identical water facilities in Oldham, Royton and Chadderton. We don’t want more of the same, we want to retain what the town has had for over 30 years, not to lose facilities. There is a very real possibility of the club either folding or having to move out of the borough.”