Record-breaking swimmer says Fleetwood's baths must reopen after lockdown

Blackpool-born Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE frequently used the swimming pool when she was a member of the club and says it is essential that the amenity stays open.

Residents in the town are unhappy that when lockdown ends, only Wyre’s YMCA leisure centres in Thornton and Garstang will open immediately, with the centres at Fleetwood and Poulton, the only ones with pools, ‘under review’.

And this has led to further concerns that the amenity may not re-open at all

The YMCA, which runs all four centres on behalf of Wyre Council, says there will be a phased re-opening of the centres and Wyre Council has proposed to make over £630,000 of costs in 2020/21 available to help cover the huge loss of revenue caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

But Fleetwood’s Labour MP Cat Smith says she is concerned there have been no guarentees the Fleetwood will centre will re-open, and she has started a petition to try and ensure it does.

Julie, who smashed a world record for swimming the English channel at butterfly, is backing the campaign and said: “It’s devastating to hear Wyre Council and the YMCA aren’t ruling out closing the leisure centre,

“In a survey of over 80,000 people it was found that swimmers had a 28 per cent lower risk of early death and it is critical children can access a lifesaving skill.”

Julie first swam the English Channel at the age of 15 and in 2002 did it again using the swimming stroke butterfly which she completed in 14 hours, 18 minutes.

This broke the previous record by over nine hours.

Julie completed a further achievement in the history of long distance butterfly swimming when she circumnavigated the 28.5 miles course around Manhattan Island in New York in the fastest documented butterfly time of 9 hours and 28 minutes.

Now a swimming coach and a counsellor, she added: "In adults, swimming can reduce stress and it helps older people to stay mentally and physically agile.”

However, Wyre Council and the YMCA say the lockdown has had a major financial impact on the services.

And the District Councils’ Network, which represents authorities responsible for providing leisure services, is forecasting a financial hit to leisure centres of around £305 million this year – which will send many out of business.

The DCN, the voice of 187 district councils in England, is calling for emergency funding from the Government to ensure the leisure sector can survive the current period, and is able to reopen when it is safe to do so