8:30am Tuesday 5th May 2009
By Oliver Evans
A CHARITY boss who runs an London outdoor swimming pool axed by council chiefs in 1981 says Holywell Mead pool can be saved.
Graham Hadden, chairman of the Hampton Pool Trust, backed a resident-led campaign to keep open the High Wycombe pool, stripped of council cash in February.
He said: “With enthusiasm and passion, plus some investment and smart management, open air pools do have a future.”
The pool, in Middlesex, was re-opened in 1985 by a not for profit charity set up by residents, which operates to this day.
It is now open 365 days a year and attracts more than 130,000 visitors, a statement from Holywell Mead Pool Trust Steering Group said.
Mr Hadden said: “It is distressing to see another open air pool is closing while Hampton Open Air Pool is actually increasing its attendance each year.
“Hampton Pool is a clear example of how open air pools can work as a successful business.“ He said “passion” had kept the pool going and it had thrived after being opened all year, instead of just the summer.
Holywell Mead campaigners have said this must happen at the Wycombe facility, by The Rye, for it to survive.
Mr Hadden said: “The pool is no longer a summer season, cold water, open air pool, but a 365 day per year operation with heated water, a gym, a fitness centre for pilates, yoga and spinning, a pool shop and successful café.”
Wycombe District Council said the pool was not used enough and axed it to save £66,000 a year to help close a £1.68m funding gap.
The statement said campaigners want the council to re-open the pool and will present it with a business plan.
Neil Bailey, spokesman for the Holywell Mead Pool Trust Steering Group, said: “The success of Hampton Pool demonstrates what can be done when a carefully prepared business plan is put together.
“Hampton Pool has gone from being closed during the recession in the 1980s to a thriving success which remains popular even during the current tough economic climate.”
“We want Wycombe District Council and the residents of the area to give us and Holywell Mead Pool a chance at a future in the 21st century.”
The group wants residents to show their support for their campaign by signing a register on its website (see link, below).
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