THE CAMPAIGN to save Westbury’s swimming pool has been gathering momentum, and popular support.
A petition has been launched which is available in numerous Westbury shops, and a new committee has been formed to fight to protect the pool for future generations.
Meanwhile a Facebook group called “Save Westbury’s Swimming Pool” has attracted 1,200 members in just a few days.
The White Horse News recently reported that Wiltshire Council is conducting an audit of leisure facilities and had identified an “over-provision” of swimming pools in west Wiltshire. This raised the possibility that Westbury’s pool, the oldest swimming pool in the country still in use, could be closed.
The paper petition is available to sign in Bratton Post Office, Dilton Marsh Post Office, Help the Aged and Checkers on Edward Street, the Air Ambulance Shop on Maristow Street and Banana Blues on the High Street. The committee is hoping to get several thousand signatures.
In addition, an online petition to the government, available at http://petitions. number10.gov.uk/savewestburypool/ has been created.
Bob Lee, the chairman of Save Westbury Pool said, “Now it’s about getting the word out there. We need Westbury to speak up via the petitions and make it loud and clear that losing the pool is not acceptable. Westbury has lost too much, and needs supporting by Wiltshire Council.
“The paper petition is for Wiltshire Council, to let them know it’s an amazing cause. I think there is a groundswell of public support for the pool, but we need to keep it going for five or six months.”
The online petition will go to officials at Downing Street and will receive an official response from the government if it attracts at least 500 signatories.
Bob said of the online petition, “We want people to sign it and pass it on to their friends.”
Wiltshire Council has said that no decision on the future of the pool has yet been made, and that any decisions would follow a period of public consultation.
Cllr Stuart Wheeler, member responsible for leisure, sport and culture said, “No decision has been made regarding the future of any of the existing 23 leisure facilities, including swimming pools that the council either owns, manages or supports.
“We are keen to hear from local people and when the review is ready we will be consulting widely throughout the county before the council makes any decisions.”
Wiltshire and town councillor Mike Cuthbert-Murray, who represents Westbury East, considers the steps taken so far indicate what the people of Westbury think of any potential closure.
He said, “We have after the formation of the committee laid down an agenda for the fight ahead, and we will be holding a full public meeting in April for all to attend at the Laverton, the date will be announced in the local press. In the meantime please add your voice by way of the petitions located in local shops.
“A Facebook site has been set up called Save Westbury’s Pool and so far has attracted 1,200 members, which goes to show that this threat is not going to be accepted by Westbury’s residents.
“It is a fantastic facility which is very much loved and used by a great number of people across the area.
“In situations like this threat, it’s imperative that if you want to keep our pool instead of sitting back and letting it happen, get up and add your voice, people power is vital in the fight ahead.
“Together we can win this and send the message out that Westbury will not accept any more cuts to our services, we have drawn the line.”
If you would like to get involved with the new committee, or to find out more then contact Bob Lee on 01373 301183 or Mike Cuthbert-Murray on 07738 873640.
