Pool reopening 'within touching distance'

Lewes District Council says it will invest £100,000 in the pool

The reopening of a swimming pool in East Sussex is "within touching distance" following an agreement to transfer it from one council to another, a councillor has said.

A lease has been signed that transfers the operation of Ringmer Swimming Pool from East Sussex County Council (ESCC) to Lewes District Council (LDC), which says it is on track to reopen in May.

The pool has been closed since March 2021.

Johnny Denis, LDC's cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: "The process has taken longer than we hoped, but Ringmer residents have been incredibly patient and all of them will be delighted that the reopening of this wonderful community pool is now within touching distance."

He added: "The funding from LDC and ESCC has made the replacement of essential pool machinery possible and that work will now be completed in readiness for when the doors open in May."

Following a public consultation by the county council in 2022, LDC came forward with its partner Wave Active, and both councils put plans into place to bring the venue back into use.

Wave Active will run the pool on behalf of the district council, which says it will invest £100,000 in the pool.