A notable number of UK swimming pools are facing closure due to disrepair, with 60% either beyond their expected lifespan or requiring refurbishment, according to a new report. Teh findings raise concerns about access to vital health and leisure facilities for local communities.
The report,released by a coalition of local authorities,highlights the growing need for urgent investment to prevent the loss of these amenities. liz Green,chairwoman of the Local Government AssociationS (LGA) culture,tourism and sport board,emphasized the importance of these facilities. “Local communities rely on sport and leisure facilities every day, whether it is swimming for the family or going to the gym,” she said. “The benefits to both physical and mental health can be life-changing,yet without urgent investment we risk losing these altogether.”
The deteriorating condition of swimming pools is impacting facilities across the country. The former Ships & Castles Leisure Centre in Falmouth, Cornwall, serves as a stark example. The pool there has remained unused as the centre’s closure in 2022, illustrating the consequences of insufficient maintenance and investment.
The LGA has been vocal about the financial pressures facing local authorities, which are struggling to maintain public services amidst rising costs and reduced funding. This situation is notably acute for leisure facilities, which frequently enough require significant capital investment to remain operational and meet modern safety standards. The coalition’s report underscores the need for a national strategy to address the issue and ensure the long-term sustainability of swimming pools and other sport and leisure centres.
