2000 sign petition to save Tunstall baths

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More than 2,000 people have pledged their support to save a swimming pool facing closure.

Tunstall Pool is among a number of amenities across the Potteries facing the axe as Stoke-on-Trent City Council looks to tighten its belt on frontline services.

Officials claim the authority could save £161,000 over the next three years by shutting the Victorian pool.

But families have reacted angrily to the controversial proposals claiming closing the pool would only increase the pressure on other venues in the area.

Nicola Stephens, from Trentham, is leading the battle to keep the pool open.

The 32-year-old has drawn up a petition which has been posted out to pubs and shops surrounding the Greengates Street pool.

"There are several reasons why this pool should not be closed," she said. "It's a Victorian listed building and the city needs to maintain it.

"It's one of the oldest pools in the country and should stay open.

"The council is talking about the cost needed to refurbish it, but I know a lot of work has already been done.

"They say attendance is dropping, but the pool is well used by the general public and school children."

Along with Tunstall, the city council is also considering closing Shelton Pool, which it says could result in a saving of £242,000 over the next three years.

The plans form part of a shake-up of swimming facilities with proposals also being considered to build a new 25-metre pool at Dimensions Leisure Centre, in Scotia Road, Burslem.

Mrs Stephens added: "The only remaining pool would be Fenton and I don't see how it would cope with the number of people the council is trying to serve."

Carole Booth, aged 61, from Tunstall, uses the pool three times a week.

"It would be a tragedy if it closed," she said. "I learned to swim here when I was young and I still come here.

"If it closed I would have to go to either Fenton or Biddulph, but that involves a lot of driving so I may have to join a gym nearby."

Susan Johnson, aged 65, from Dresden, said: "It's a well-used and well-loved pool. It's a building that we should be celebrating not closing."

The pool dates back to the late 1800s and has kept many of its original features, including poolside changing cubicles and a viewing gallery.

Dr Ian Dungavell, director of the Victorian Society said: "It would be a great loss if Stoke-on-Trent couldn't find a way to keep this important part of our heritage in the use for which it was built.

"It is a popular and well-used facility, and the council should be looking at ways to keep it going so future generations can enjoy swimming there."

Councillor Derek Capey, cabinet member for sport and leisure, said: "This is a difficult time financially for the city council, and for all public bodies.

"There are some tough decisions to be made, and we are in a position where we need to ensure the leisure facilities we have are high in quality rather than quantity.

"Closing the pools at Shelton and Tunstall means we will be able to reallocate funds into more up to date centres such as Dimensions and Fenton Manor."

"These are just proposals at this stage and will be examined and decided on by all councillors later this year.

The petition will be submitted to the Council on January 13, ahead of a full council meeting on January 28.

To sign the petition, call in to Tunstall Pool.

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