1,600 call for Shifnal to get swimming pool

More than 1,600 people have signed a petition in Shifnal calling for a swimming pool to be built in the town.

Campaigners have now handed the petition to Shropshire Council in the hope it will highlight the strength of feeling in the town.

The appeal for a pool in the town has been running for decades, but two developers are now including land for a swimming pool as part of their housing proposals.

Kevin Turley, spokesman for the swimming pool committee, said the petition was not making demands but they wanted a pool to be made a priority.

He said: "We have 1,600 signatures and there are lots of the town where I have not been to collect signatures.

"But I will keep the fight going because we will carry on even if Shropshire Council do not support the development schemes which include the swimming pools.

"We really want to get the council on board, but with Localism going forward this is one area where the residents can take control rather than rely on Shropshire Council," he added.

A swimming pool is being included in housing development plans by Lioncourt Homes, based in Droitwich, who want to build 400 homes off Haughton Road.

They have offered a serviced piece of land for just £1.

Mr Turley said Pegasus Development had also included a swimming pool site in their housing proposals for land off Coppice Green Lane.

He said: "They are looking at building more houses in the town but we have got to support the infrastructure.

"We need to keep the High Street going by creating more things to do in the area.

"A swimming pool would be a great addition to the town."

By Judith Sanders