Fate of Deepings Leisure Centre to be decided today
South Kesteven District Council's now considering refurbishing it at the cost of over £6m
The future of Deepings Leisure Centre will be decided today.
Over 8,500 protestors have signed a petition demanding it's repaired and re-opened.
It's after it was forced to close due to health and safety concerns.
Heavy rainfall caused significant damage to the roof, widespread water ingress throughout the building, and lights in the pool hall were affected.
Local Councillor Ashley Baxter said it's an outrage that it could remain shut forever.
"It doesn't make any sense on health grounds, it doesn't make any sense on financial grounds, it doesn't make any sense on educational grounds.
"There's a lady near me who can barley walk, but she can swim and with help she's able to get into the pool when it's open.
"That is her exercise and it's also her social life.
"In a time where we're going on about the importance of tackling obesity and peoples mental health, to close a leisure facility like this is an absolute outrage."
Councillors to consider investment at Extraordinary Council Meeting.
A South Kesteven District Council meeting to decide it's future is taking place later today.
Councillors will now consider the findings of an initial assessment which suggests an investment of around £6.3million could bring the current leisure centre up to a good standard.
It's hoped this would extend the life of the 47-year-old building for another 25 years.
Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Councillor Kelham Cooke, said he's listened to people's views.
"I too have fond memories of swimming there in my younger years and closing the leisure centre is the very last thing we want to do.
“Since receiving the damning condition survey, we have commissioned an expert opinion on how we might be able to not only repair the faults, but completely renovate the building – securing a good and improved leisure centre in the Deepings as quickly as possible and for many years to come, and retaining the building that means so much to the community.
“I am hopeful that this option will provide the best way forward for the local community and look forward to discussing this with councillors.”