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Town Hall battle fails to save swimming pool
A LAST ditch bid tore-open Blackpool's St George's baths has failed – despite claims the resort does not have enough facilities for swimming.
The dated pool in Cherry Tree Road, Marton, was closed in the summer after councillors decided it would cost too much to upgrade.
Labour councillors called for it to be re-opened after Government moves to offer free swimming to pensioners and under-16s.
But despite a heated debate, last night's bid was crushed by 25 votes to 13 after ruling Conservatives rejected their pleas.
Coun Fred Jackson said it was clear in future there would not be enough capacity for swimmers because only Palatine and Moor Park pools would remain.
He said: "I just cannot believe we will have enough capacity to take up the number of people who will want to take up the Government offer of free swimming.
"It's not too late to say we got it wrong. Maybe we should look at it again in the light of this Government announcement."
Labour councillors said the closure of St Annes Pool – which was also axed in July as part of Fylde Council cost-cutting – added to the burden on Blackpool's facilities.
More people from Fylde are heading to Blackpool to use facilities and there have been complaints new facilities at Palatine are being over burdened.
In a tit-for-tat exchange, Labour accused the Tories of a track record of pool closures, citing a previous administration which shut the once famous Derby Baths.
But the Conservatives hit back by saying Labour had closed the Lido in South Shore.
Liberal Democrat Coun Robert Wynne said it was a shame the council had not been able to come to an agreement with Fylde Council so both authorities could have made use of the relatively modern St Annes Pool.
Do you think the pool should have been saved? Leave your thoughts below.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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