RORY BACKS NEXT STAGE OF WIGTON’S SUCCESSFUL ‘SAVE THE POOL’ CAMPAIGN

Rory, who signed the petition calling for the Wigton Swimming pool to be saved, was “delighted” with the news that it will now re-open, and has committed to back the next stage in supporting the pool. As a result of a local campaign that gained almost 1700 signatures, Allerdale Borough Council have agreed to re-open the pool on a temporary basis, provided a Community Trust is established to look into taking over and running the amenity in the long-term. The new Community Trust hopes to identify alternative funding streams and support, in order to meet and reduce the pools current £100,000 per year running costs. One key objective is to build and expand upon the 5000 visits per year the pool currently receives, encouraging more of the local community to use the pool more regularly. Temporary chair for the Trust, Mr Alan Pitcher, has arranged to meet with Rory later this week, to further discuss the trust’s current options, and to establish ways in which the MP can offer further help.

Rory said:

“It is fantastic to see the ‘Save the Pool’ Campaign has been such a success, and a much loved community asset will now re-open as a result. Penrith and the Border has become very good at finding community-led solutions to local problems, be it affordable housing, broadband or the closure of a local pub. It comes as no surprise therefore that it is again the local community leading the way to save its swimming pool. I am only too happy to offer any additional help and assistance I can to the new trust in helping to ensure the pool’s long-term future.”