Community effort saved pool, commissioner says

A survival plan secured the Southern Swimming Pool's future until 31 March 2025

A community effort was behind a reprieve for a southern swimming pool, a local commissioner has said.

Castletown Commissioners backed a "survival plan" for the Southern Swimming Pool, which was under threat of closure by the government.

After considering the proposals, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) agreed to continue the existing annual subsidy of £434,000.

Vice-chairman Beth Cannan said people had "fought" for the pool and she was "overjoyed" the facility could continue to operate until March 2025.

A rate increase by the local authorities in the south formed part the plan for the facility's continued operation.

Castletown Commissioners supported it unanimously "to do what we could" to maintain the facility temporarily, Ms Cannan said.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she said although it would cost ratepayers more, it was "for the good of everyone in the community" that that pool stayed in use for another year.

The area had faced "losing a huge asset" which was "used by many" taking part in lane swimming, aqua fit and swimming lessons, Ms Cannan said.

Concerns were also raised about how extra travel time to other pools for lessons could be "detrimental" southern pupils' academic learning.

'Pulled together'

Ms Cannan said it was a community effort, which meant "everyone pulled together" so "everyone should be congratulated".

"It proves that challenges can be overcome when people stand together," she added.

In the House of Keys in January, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture Minster Julie Edge confirmed a six-lane pool had been included in plans for the rebuild of the aging Castle Rushen High School, which is due to be completed by 2030.