Buxton Pool – update
Leader of the Labour Group of High Peak Borough Council, Caitlin Bisknell said the discovery of asbestos was a huge setback to plans to re-open the pool.
”While I welcome the Council’s statement – it still leaves many questions unanswered. The pool has now been closed for nearly a year, and there is no sign – or suggestion – about when it might re-open. It’s not that I – or other councillors – don’t know who or what to ask; the problem is that, at least until very recently, no one seems to have the answers.”
Just some of the questions that need answering are:
· What is the cost of the closure to date?
· Who is footing the bill?
· Is there any chance of compensation?
· When will these important facilities re-open?
“While it is good to know that some of our most talented swimmers have been helped with travel costs –that does not make up for the fact that instead of nipping down to Buxton Pool to practice, they – and their parents and/or coaches – face trips to Bakewell or Derby.
Caitlin added that as well as being a major investment for High Peak Borough Council and its residents through the Council Tax and planning agreements, the scheme also received £450,000 from the Labour Government’s swimming initiative.
“Buxton is in the unusual position of having a number of high profile, important buildings all of which need special care and protection. Over the years the Council – of all political colours – has tried its best to make sure that these buildings are maintained, but inevitably priorities have to be set. Given the cuts looming on the horizon, it will be more difficult than ever to maintain these public buildings.”