Shropshire Star

Sports strategy 'beggars belief' says councillor after proposal to move Shrewsbury's swimming pool

A Shropshire Council sports strategy is "largely a justification" for moving Shrewsbury's swimming pool out of the town, according to councillors.

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Shrewsbury Town Councillors have backed a report from the town clerk in response to a consultation on the strategy.

The formal response to the consultation criticises the 120-page document for being flawed in both its content and presentation.

"The strategy remains wanting on detail, there are significant typographical errors and inconsistencies which suggests a document that has been ill-thought out and rushed and due to the lack of stakeholder engagement in its construction one that's real reason for collation is questionable," it says.

The town council has also raised concerns regarding some of the claims made within the document.

It states: "It stresses on a number of occasions that an out of town location will 'provide increased opportunities for community participation' but it fails to say how."

Alan Mosley, leader of the council said: "Shropshire Council received 2,000 responses during a so-called consultation on the future of the swimming baths.

"They rejected the views of the 68 per cent who supported the retention of facilities in the Quarry. In fact they decided to relocate the baths to the Sports Village, an option which was supported by only 16 per cent. It beggars belief that they are now again seeking another so-called consultation, having not listened to the overwhelming response to the previous effort."

Shropshire Council says the aim of the strategy is to provide sufficient high-quality, fit for purpose and accessible facilities for local residents, to enable the public to continue to benefit from sport, leisure, and health and fitness activities.

Shropshire Council's cabinet previously approved a recommendation of Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne, as the preferred location for a pool despite criticism from campaigners and Shrewsbury councillors.

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