29/10/03 - Morton Pool rescue backed

Carlisle Local Committee of Cumbria County Council is backing the plan to save the swimming pool at Morton School for use by the public and by local groups. The committee agreed today to put £10,000 towards the capital cost of reopening the pool.

County Councillor John Collier, chair of the Carlisle Local Committee, said:

“All political parties on the local committee are united in their wish to see the pool retained for use by the community and we are all committed to doing what we can to aid this scheme. The pool is an asset to the area.  The committee has therefore agreed to put £10,000 towards the capital costs. This supports Carlisle Leisure Trust’s aim of having the pool ready for public use by next summer.”    

Morton School governors have declared the pool surplus to school requirements. Carlisle Leisure Trust is willing to take over the running of the pool, which is currently closed and needs essential repair work. Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet agreed earlier this month that a capital grant of between £60,000 and £130,000 be paid to Carlisle Leisure Trust towards the reopening of the pool subject to: An evaluation of the capital cost of reopening; a decision by Carlisle Local Committee about its contribution to the capital costs; further negotiations with Carlisle Leisure Trust.

Councillor Helen Horne, local county councillor for Yewdale Ward, said: 

“We are very pleased with this decision. It sends out positive signals from the committee, showing its support for the repair of the of the pool, which the local people have shown in consultation that they want to keep for the benefit of the whole community.”