Boost for pool campaigners? (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

Boost for pool campaigners?

3:45pm Tuesday 18th December 2007

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THE fight to rescue Burnham swimming pool from likely closure has taken three large steps forward over the past week as campaigners took the matter to the top.

The Weekly News reported last week that Sedgemoor District Council had recommended the drastic action in a bid to help plug a £1.8million budget shortfall.

The closure looks set to be enforced from March 31, 2008.

But soon after the news was released, town councillors and outraged residents spoke out against the decision, and campaigns and petitions were launched.

Burnham businessman Tom Ashton, chairman of new campaign group Save Our Swimming pool (SOS) met Burnham and Highbridge MP David Heathcoat-Amory on Friday (December 14).

Tom told the Weekly News: "I felt it was important to get the MP involved and he listened to what we had to say and he took everything on board."

Mr Heathcoat-Amory said: "Burnham is a seaside resort and it is particularly important that there is provision for the public to learn to swim - it is therefore essential that the town retains a swimming pool.

"It is also a great asset for promising young swimmers who need such facilities for training purposes.

"I am working with councillors and others to try to find a way forward to cut costs to the council for refurbishment and also retain a facility for the residents of Burnham."

A public meeting will take place at the Lakeside Holiday Park tomorrow (Thursday) at 6.30pm, which support from the town's chamber of trade.

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