Coach of swimming club without a pool scoops award

Ben Negus said he "did not expect" to win after being awarded the Performance Pathway Coach of the year

A coach who trains a swimming club without a dedicated pool says he has been humbled with a Swim England award for his work.

Ben Negus from City of Peterborough Swimming Club (COPS) was awarded the Performance Pathway Coach of the year at the Swim England National Awards.

The 180-member club, which competes national and international championships, has "grappled" with "extraordinary situations" after the city's regional pool was closed by the council - forcing the athletes to find alternative locations to train, Mr Negus said.

He said the award recognised "the entire club's efforts and hard work", adding that he "did not expect to win".

Swim England is the national body for swimming and aquatics in England.

A total of 27 awards were presented during the ceremony at Birmingham University’s Great Hall, recognising the contribution made by individuals and organisations.

City of Peterborough Swimming Club was also a finalist in the Club of the Year category

Mr Negus said the award came at a time when the club faced financial and physical pressures.

"The impact of losing the regional pool is huge," he said.

"It was the only pool in the area that could handle the capacity for level two competition athletes.

"We now have to use five different facilities including Jack Hunt, Oundle, Stanground Academy, Stamford and Whittlesey for all the extra hours of training.

"The faculties are amazing though they are not the most suitable. The members have been very understanding though.

"We aren’t able to expand our memberships. Our ability to hold competitions has held back. Such an outstanding situation we find us in both financially and operationally."

The Regional Pool on Bishop's Road is set to be demolished to make way for a new £30m facility

Work to demolish the regional pool on Bishop's Road were due to begin in November, Peterborough City Council previously said.

It closed last year due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

'Not holding breath'

It is estimated a new pool could cost £30m, while the original building would need £26.3m of repairs.

Mr Negus said there had been "positive conversations" with the council but he remained apprehensive about a new facility.

"I have been in the city for 17 years and over the period different administrations have promised a new 50m pool," he said.

"We have been let down and are still waiting for one.

"We could do something great with aquatics in Peterborough. But 17 years of evidence tells me we will go with the cheapest option available.

"I am happy to be proven otherwise. Personally, I am not holding my breath on the new pool."

The planned new pool would include teaching and splash pools, sports hall and gym.