Campaigners claim their calls for a “shovel-ready” plan for Keswick pool have been buried by Allerdale Borough Council.
In the latest twist in the long-running battle to re-instate the town’s only public leisure facility, members of Friends of Keswick Leisure have accused the council of backing down from promises made at a meeting last September.
These included an agreement to have construction plans in place for a new leisure centre by the time Allerdale ceases to exist as a council authority, replaced by the new Cumberland Council in 2023.
However the council’s newly-released Strategic Delivery document for 2022/23 – which assesses what can realistically be achieved by April 2023, as well as what projects are likely to be taken forward into the new Cumberland Council – makes no reference to the so-called “shovel-ready” plan.
Instead it offers a full option appraisal to be ready by April next year. According to the Local Government Association, this refers to a process of reviewing options and analysing the costs and benefits of a number of each.
Markus Campbell-Savours, a pool campaigner who represents Keswick on Allerdale council, described this as a “kick in the teeth” for the town.
“They’re in hand-over mode, and have just booted this into the long grass,” he said.
“An options appraisal is a million miles away from what is considered ‘shovel ready’, and is possibly the lowest target they could reasonably have set in advance of the new authority being created.
“This is a real kick in the teeth for Keswick. Over the coming days we will be calling in the decision and asking them to justify the unambitious target they have set. This decision must be reversed.”
Cllr Campbell-Savours was backed by another Keswick council representative, Sally Lansbury.
“This is deeply frustrating and potentially leaves us in a situation where grant funding opportunities may be missed,” she said.
“It also makes it harder for us to push the project as high priority to the new council where we may be competing with alternative schemes from across North and West Cumbria. The options appraisal should clearly be fast tracked so real plans have time to be ready for 2023.”
Keswick pool was closed in June 2021 after an inspectors’ report claimed remedial works costing up to £200,000 would only extend its operational lifespan by a short period.
Allerdale council has previously argued that an impact assessment had concluded that swimmers in Keswick could be accommodated at Cockermouth and Penrith pools, and that a number of promotional schemes were introduced including adult swim lessons, pool discos, water exercise classes, canoeing, and family fun Fridays.
Allerdale said it remained fully committed to developing improved sports and leisure facilities in Keswick and the commitment was “enshrined” within the 2022/23 plan.
“The council has already carried out a full consultation with local residents, businesses and organisations. A full options appraisal will include details of the preferred facilities that will be on offer, the location, as well as the anticipated costs.”
