Cabinet agrees extension to funding for Kingsbury Pool
The immediate future of Kingsbury Pool received a boost after Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed to fund it for a further period of up to six months.
The county council, in partnership with the parish council, originally took over the management of the pool 13 years ago when Kingsbury School, who managed the school on behalf of the county council, could no longer afford to keep it open.
Due to its severe budget reductions, the authority has been forced to examine its core business. The conclusion was that leisure activities were not part of that. However, in order that the local community can continue to enjoy the swimming pool, it has been examining alternative ways in which to keep it open.
When it agreed to fund the pool’s costs for a further 12 months last April, the county established a special steering group, tasked with finding a long-term solution to the pool’s funding.
Its findings have shown strong use within the community and discussions are ongoing with an organization that is investigating the implications of managing the pool.
Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “We have listened to the feelings of the community and recognise how much the pool means to them. We regret that unprecedented budgetary pressures have meant that we cannot commit to maintaining its long term future ourselves but, given the pool’s importance to the community, we were determined that help be given in the interim period until alternative management is established.
“We are very hopeful that the interest being shown in taking over the management of the pool will come to fruition. The extension of funding to the pool will give additional time for the steering group to undertake discussions with possible partners and establish alternative management arrangements.”