GB coach attacks Oldham diving pool decision

ANDY BANKS

THE Olympic coach of diving star Tom Daley has criticised Oldham Council’s decision not to add a diving pool to plans for the borough’s new sports centre.

Andy Banks and London 2012 bronze medallist Daley were among 3,000 people who signed a petition to save Oldham’s current diving board and deep-water pool.

The Great Britain coach believes the local authority should have opted for a moveable floor in its final plans, which were given the green light on Monday. The centre is due to open in 2015.

The national coach described the move as a “travesty” on the local club’s Facebook page.

He said: “There have never been more diving facilities built than in recent years. Leeds: new, Plymouth: new, Edinburgh: total refurb, London: new, Aberdeen: new, Southend: new. These areas all have a history with diving — as does Oldham.

“With a moveable floor the water space can also be used to generate even more income during the day. Are all these other councils wrong? I think not. Oldham, you have got this one wrong.”

Other designs, including a learner pool with a moveable floor offering deep water for diving, were considered but rejected due to cost, said the council.

The closure of the Oldham facilities will force board and underwater divers to travel to Manchester Aquatics Centre or Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre.