The people of Rutland 'deserve access' to a public swimming pool
a petition has over 2,000 signatures to get Catmose pool reopened
There's a call for Rutland County Council to re-open the public swimming pool at Catmose sports centre. The facility was shut down last year in lockdown, but now an Oakham woman's launched a petition to try and get it back up and running.
The facility was the only public pool in the county.
Leah Toseland's managed to get over 2,000 signatures in support of the proposals so far. She says "I feel that it is essential that Rutland has a public pool because we are the only county without a pool and although there are pools within the private schools these are difficult to access"
She continues: "I think people need the core swimming skill. It's not just good for safety it's good for health physically and good for your mental health. We have an obesity pandemic within the UK"
29 year old Leah Toseland from Oakham is behind the petition
Rutland County Council say:
"The public swimming pool at Catmose Sports Centre remains closed following a condition survey that raised serious concerns about the safety of the building. An assessment has shown that making the swimming pool operational again would have cost more than £500,000"
"Access to leisure services is important to help people stay healthy and well. This is why Rutland County Council recently approved extra investment of just over £100,000 to support Catmose Sports Centre and its operators"
"The Council is also working with a specialist consultant to complete a full assessment of Rutland’s future leisure offer. This will be based on need and include access to swimming – particularly for primary age children. This work remains ongoing"