Kimberley pool closes leaving town 'no real options', says coach

Kimberley School took over direct management of the facility, with financial support from the council, in 2022

The loss of a Nottinghamshire town's swimming pool has been branded as "disgusting" by a campaigner.

Kimberley pool is closing on Sunday despite pleas to keep it running for the community.

Running and repair costs forced owners Kimberley School to request extra funding from Broxtowe Borough Council, which it said was unaffordable.

Coach Ruth Stirland said: "There are now no real options for people wanting to teach little kids to swim."

Kimberley School has owned the facility since the leisure centre opened in 1974 but took over direct management, with financial support from the council, in 2022.

Since then, running costs have risen, with the school confirming it made a £300,000 loss in the financial year.

It had asked the Labour-run authority for £440,000 to cover the leisure centre's losses over the next three years, while repair costs currently total about £2.4m.

Ms Stirland said: "I think it's disgusting. It is going to have a massive impact on the community.

"We have managed to find new venues for our swimming sessions, but it has been very, very difficult."

'Incredibly disappointed'

Mel Berry, who runs a group promoting greater access to physical activity, especially for women, said: "It's a great shame, and it is not an isolated case as many councils are dealing with rising costs.

"And it is not just the physical benefits, as these places are also community hubs with mental health benefits, especially for areas which are less affluent.

"Sometimes people look on these facilities as luxuries, but I would argue they are necessities."

In a statement, the leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, Milan Radulovic, said: "The council is incredibly disappointed that it can no longer commit to the very significant financial contributions proposed by the school to maintain the Kimberley gym and swim arrangements.

"As a result, the school has decided that the facility will no longer be available for public use after 31 March 2024. All members and customers have been contacted with more details about their membership moving forward."

A spokesperson for Kimberley School said: "Whilst the swimming pool is very sadly having to close, all other activities at the sports centre will be unaffected and will continue as before.

"We are delighted to confirm that a new gym operator, TGS Gyms, will be taking over the running of the gym facility at the sports centre, and this will be open on 20 April 2024."