A Keswick man, confined to a wheelchair for 20 years, has spoken of his despair and anger at the closure of the town’s leisure pool.
John Edwards, 54, has been unable to walk since developing multiple sclerosis in 1991.
Until its closure last year, the pool provided his only access to physical exercise and John swam there most mornings.
“It was very handy, with disabled access, and I found that swimming really helped to keep the worst of the MS at bay,” said Mr Edwards (pictured).
“But then they decided to close it, which meant that overnight I had nowhere to go. Yes, they say that there are alternative pools at Cockermouth and Penrith, but getting there on public transport is a nightmare and even if you get there, there is no disabled access.”
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and nerves. Common symptoms include tiredness, vision problems and problems with walking or balance.
Mr Edwards, who works as a computer programmer, says that before he developed the condition he was a keen sportsman and that for him the pool was a lifeline which has now been cut.
“I’m angry about it, but it also makes you despair because I’m not the only disabled person who came to rely on Keswick pool. Yes, the facilities weren’t ideal, but it was there and it was open.”
Following an inspection last year, Allerdale Borough Council decided to shut the pool for health and safety reasons.
However campaigners claim the original report – claiming remedial works costing up to £200,000 would only extend the pool’s operational lifespan by a short period – is flawed and are calling for an independent survey.
“There are very few other options for me now,” said Mr Edwards. “The council really need to reconsider this decision as it has had a hugely negative impact.”
Last month an online poll, conducted by Friends of Keswick Leisure (FOKL), revealed that one in 10 respondents now swam far less frequently than before, with schoolchildren, non-drivers and the elderly and disabled hit hardest.
FOKL has sent a Freedom of Information request to Allerdale Borough Council, demanding to know whether a competitive tender was ever conducted to assess the cost of pool repairs and what efforts were made to make the pool more commercially viable before it was closed.
The request aims to find out whether any assessment made of pool availability, and whether Allerdale has done any transport planning to ensure that no child in Keswick misses out on swimming lessons.
The council has 20 days to respond. Meanwhile the campaign has stepped up with Keep Keswick Swimming stickers available from Lakeland Decor, Bank Street.
