Pool closure will pull plug on group

A GROUP which has supported people with disabilities for 25 years faces the end if the closure of Crompton Pool goes ahead.

A member of Shaw and District Disabled Association said their swimming classes — which have taken place every fortnight since its formation — will disband despite a planned new sports centre opening in neighbouring Royton.

Joanne Lewis-Ryan is one of many campaigners attempting to save the “dated” pool — which has been the main focus of the opposition to Oldham Council’s controversial Leisure Estate review.

The 49-year-old mother, from Royton, said: “It is not just about a new facility, it is about a familiar atmosphere and surroundings.

“A number of disabled people will not want to go to Royton.

“This baths is a vital local resource and for once a fortnight, every Sunday, it is the highlight for many of our members.”

Crompton Pool is one of four centres in the borough facing the chop by Oldham chiefs at tommorow evening’s Cabinet — with plans for two new facilities to be built in Royton and Oldham town centre — which will contain a six-lane pool and eight-lane pool respectively.

On Friday, the Chronicle revealed the proposed leisure shake-up will further reduce the number of swimming pools compared with neighbouring authorities.

The Save Shaw Baths Campaign has sent letters and emails to Sport England, Amateur Swimming Association and even the Prime Minister, David Cameron — but has received no support.

Joanne added: “We feel we are hitting our heads against a brick wall and I don’t know what we can do now to stop this from happening.

“There are other ways round all this. Why couldn’t the money be spread to three areas of Oldham, instead of two, which would include Shaw?”

Crompton Pool, like the other centres expected to close, will not shut until replacements are built — expected to be in 2014.