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Joy at Kirkham baths plan
AN ambitious plan to save under threat Kirkham Baths and transform it into a state of the art leisure centre has created waves of excitement.
Rural Splash presented its business plan to run the baths as a charitable trust to some 150 local residents and Fylde councillors.
Chairman Raymond Green said: "This business plan is practical and inspirational – there is room for growth and the potential to create this hub in the middle of the Fylde.
"There are 16 schools using Kirkham Baths every week and we have a catchment area of 30,000 people."
The group is hoping to secure a subsidy of 120,000 from Fylde Council – a figure which would be reduced to 60,000 within a few years – as well as a 10,000 donation from surrounding town and parish councils.
Fylde-based YMCA has also offered to help run the new centre, designed by Croft Goode Ltd architects, which would include moneymaking facilities such as a gym, spa, beauty area and caf.
Richard Nulty, Rural Splash committee member, said: "Income would be increased by getting more people in the pool and probably getting them to pay more.
"If the trust is taking over the pool it will also have to reduce labour costs, change pay and service patterns."
But residents desperate to keep the pool open seemed happy with the proposals presented to them at Kirkham Community Centre.
James Taylor, 15, a member of Kirkham and Wesham Swimming Club, said: "The plans look really good because there is a gym so it would help swimmers improve their fitness by doing weight training.
"It would bring the swimming club more up to date."
Teresa McGardle, 33, from Wesham, said: "We are surrounded by water.
"It's going to take one death to make them realise that we need a pool so children can learn how to swim.
"What's more important cutting costs or saving lives?"
And Helen Bond, 31, of Mellor Road, Kirkham, said: "My three children all use the pool for swimming lessons, it's really important for them.
"The plans look good. I'm a personal fitness trainer so I might be able to work there!"
Each councillor at Fylde Council, which spends an annual net amount of 300,000 to run the pool, will now be sent a copy of Rural Splash's business plan.
Kirkham councillor Liz Oades said: "We believe Kirkham pool can be saved and it can be enhanced.
"We must have a subsidy to stay afloat and can form a charitable trust and work with the YMCA.
"We need to have a decision about the subsidy by November."
Coun Simon Renwick, portfolio holder for community services, congratulated Rural Splash.
He said: "I think they have come up with some good concepts. I hope we can move forward to support the provision."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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