WESTBURY Amateur Swimming Club would be reluctant to move from its historic home, the town’s Victorian swimming pool which is right in the centre of town, says the club’s secretary.
Neil Tribick, secretary of Westbury Amateur Swimming Club, says although a new 25 metre six lane pool would be great for the town, there would be concerns.
The future of the town’s pool is being considered alongside other leisure facilities as proposals are put together for a campus development – which could be housed across single or multiple sites.
“I think it has always been clear that people want to retain the current pool and library in their town centre locations with easy walking access,” says Neil. “Yes, it would be great to have a six-lane, 25-metre pool with added facilities. But when you look at the pools built in the last 20 to 30 years, these have frequently been poorly constructed and have required major overhauls early in their lives.
“Our unique Victorian building has been solid as a rock for 125 years. We wouldn’t want to lose that solidity, nor would it be good for our members if a new pool was situated on the edge of town with difficult access on foot.
“I think children all love the pool and its intimate feel. Younger swimmers are not as intimidated as they would be in a larger pool complex. Squad swimmers do enjoy going to larger pools for competitions, but there is a real tie with our own pool and all its history.
“So in summary, if we could have a new pool with character and constructed as well as the Victorians made the current pool, and with easy walking access, then we would consider it.
“I very much doubt that there is a budget for new facilities for Westbury. To create anything worthy of succeeding the Victorian pool would require major capital expenditure but if it is a possibility in a convenient location, then of course we would consider it. The current pool is a listed building, so thought would also have to be given to its maintenance and use should a decision be made to move.”
The swimming club is recovering after the pool was closed for refurbishment and repairs for around three and a half months this year, on top of an eight-week closure at the end of last year.
Neil said, “The club is getting back into a rhythm again after the long periods of disruption. We are missing some people, but hopefully we can coax them back.
“For now, we are delighted to be back where we have always been and swimming at regular times again!”
