Swimmers bemoan loss of Holywell Mead pool (From Bucks Free Press)

Users critical of Wycombe pool closure during warm weather

12:00pm Wednesday 3rd June 2009 in Search By Alex Hayes

SWIMMERS have expressed their frustration at the closure of Holywell Mead open air swimming pool, as the country is bathed in sunshine.

The open-air swimming pool in High Wycombe was permanently closed by councillors in budget cuts in February.

A steering group has submitted a business plan to Wycombe District Council and hopes to be able to reopen it, but the earliest it will happen is next summer.

Suzanne Grant, who has swum at the pool in The Rye each year since it opened in 1957, branded the situation “ridiculous”.

She added: “How ridiculous is it that we are having some good weather and Holywell Mead pool is closed. It doesn't make sense somehow.

“Our steering group is trying hard with meetings every week to change the situation for next year and the year after that for the pool to be reopened.”

Among plans put forward by the steering group are a building a sliding roof to cover the pool in bad weather, and opening it all-year-round.

In a letter sent to the Bucks Free Press Elizabeth Rolfe, whose brother-in-law built the original filter plant, criticised the decision to close it.

She said: “The Holywell Mead swimming pool is closed and wonderful opportunities for family outings over half term to swim and sunbathe, have been lost. No money coming in, and maybe a job or two lost.

“I think I speak for the majority of people in High Wycombe who would value a pool with a roof which can come into use when necessary, so swimming can take place throughout the year.”

At the meeting in February when councillors ratified the closure, Councillor Tony Green, then in charge of leisure, said the pool was not "economically viable" and the council had to focus cash in other places. He added it would "remain a community facility".

Would you have used the pool during the recent warm weather if it were still open? Leave your comments below.