BSPF and AfPE VOICE THEIR CONCERNS OVER POOL CLOSURES
Two more industry bodies have joined the STA in voicing their concerns over what is being reported about pool closures in The Daily Telegraph this week:
“The British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF) represents pool builders and suppliers, as well as swimming teachers, and our members know firsthand the shameful neglect of pools throughout the country. How does the Government expect to produce a world class Olympic swimming team by the time we host the Games in 2012 when opportunities for learning, practicing and becoming enthused about swimming are made more and more difficult for the majority of the population?
As Kate Hoey rightly said in the Telegraph, millions of pounds are being spent by the Government on anti-obesity strategies, targeted largely at diet in schools, when little is said about the value for exercising in reducing obesity, and swimming is recognised as the most popular form of sporting activity in the country. Yet pools continue to close, often justified by the argument that they are too expensive to run and maintain.
The BSPF has tried to persuade Government and Sport England that pools need not cost as much to build and run as is claimed. Modern equipment and building techniques can produce a new fully equipped indoor 25m pool for around £1.5 million rather than the £7 million often quoted, and running costs can be drastically reduced by fitting well-designed heating and ventilation control systems even in old pools.
We are happy to support the effort to halt the decline in swimming pool numbers, but it must be led from Government first recognising that this is at least as important a policy issue as Jamie Oliver’s school meals campaign.”
Allen Brobyn
Managing Director
BSPF
“This decline in the availability of swimming pools is disappointing, given that Lottery funding has been available. We wonder where the community sport investment has been, since we know that we still lack pools suitable for competitive swimmers too. It seems that the government is failing swimming at all levels. Swimming is a statutory requirement in the national curriculum, but it is difficult to see how many schools can deliver it adequately, when more and more schools are further distant from pools than ever. It isn’t a very impressive example of joined up government.”
Professor Margaret Talbot, PhD OBE FRSA
Chief Executive
Association for Physical Education
