A young Bridgnorth mum is winning support in her campaign to reopen a primary school learner swimming pool.
Katie Stuart, 24, of Mill Street, has started a Facebook group and now has more than 100 supporters signed up calling for the once popular facility at St Mary’s Bluecoat School to reopen after a lapse of four years.
“I learned to swim at the pool and it would be great for me and my son Joshua, who is five months old,” said Katie. “It is not so deep or so big as the leisure centre pool. Mums with children think this a good idea.
“I had support from about 100 people at the weekend and more have come in since,” added Katie, who set up the site on Friday.
Firm details about the reasons for the closure were not disclosed in public at the time although staffing and drainage problems were mooted.
Investment
Headteacher Sue Farrell said: “The pool was closed in 2006 due to outstanding debt, rising maintenance costs, and health and safety issues with particular regard to the security of the children in school.
“In addition the pool is over 30 years old and would need considerable investment.
“As the depth of the pool is the same throughout its length it is deemed to be a ‘plunge pool’ and is only therefore suitable for children up to the age of seven.
“Currently we are not looking at reopening the pool and any decisions about the way this area will be used in the future will be looked at by the school governors, the school management teamand the local authority and decisions will be taken with the best interests of all of our pupils.”