We won't give up on Fleetwood pool campaign, say protesters

Campaigners who are trying to get Fleetwood's swimming pool reopened have sent out a message - they will not give up.
By Richard Hunt
Published 21st Dec 2020, 12:50 BST
Updated 21st Dec 2020, 14:15 BST
A large crowd gathered to show their support and protest the closure of YMCA Fleetwood Swimming Pool and gym, Marine Splash, Fleetwood. Members of the community brought handmade signs and took turns to voice their concerns and anger if the pool closed for good.A large crowd gathered to show their support and protest the closure of YMCA Fleetwood Swimming Pool and gym, Marine Splash, Fleetwood. Members of the community brought handmade signs and took turns to voice their concerns and anger if the pool closed for good.
A large crowd gathered to show their support and protest the closure of YMCA Fleetwood Swimming Pool and gym, Marine Splash, Fleetwood. Members of the community brought handmade signs and took turns to voice their concerns and anger if the pool closed for good.

On Saturday residents of all ages met up outside the YMCA Leisure Centre on the The Esplanade to protest about the amenity's ongoing closure, waving placards and banners.

The demonstration was prompted when members of Wyre Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committed voted down an attempt by Labour councillors to get the controversial decision to keep Fleetwood and Poulton centres shut - but reopen those in Garstang and Thornton. - reconsidered by members.

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Residents of all ages attended the protest, raising the point that the swimming pool is vital to help children who live by the sea to learn to swim.

People of all ages joined the Fleetwood swimming pool protestPeople of all ages joined the Fleetwood swimming pool protest
People of all ages joined the Fleetwood swimming pool protest

The protest was organised by Fleetwood's Wyre Alliance councillor, Colette Fairbanks, who said: "We are not just going to give up, it is too important for that.

"Fleetwood is by the sea, it's vital our children can learn how to swim and local people have a place to swim - not Garstang or Moor Park in Bispham, which is already busy enough.

"People in this town feel that the decision by Wyre Council to keep the pool and the centre closed, but open the one at Garstang, is unfair and not based on sound figures.

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"We need the pool open and people feel Wyre Council needs to reconsider its plans.

One of the many Fleetwood youngsters at the protestOne of the many Fleetwood youngsters at the protest
One of the many Fleetwood youngsters at the protest

"They have not taken into account the true figures who use the pool here and that the pool has been shut since March, so obviously the figures will be down."

Coun Fairbanks added: "I'm delighted with the turn-out, there is no place like Fleetwood for community spirit, and people were sensible about the Covid restrictions as well."

Fleetwood's MP Cat Smith has also been campaigning to reopen the pool, setting up a petition earlier this year and raising the matter in Parliament.

Related topics:FleetwoodWyre CouncilGarstangCat Smith

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