Works plunge pool into fresh crisis (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Works plunge pool into fresh crisis

CIRENCESTER'S open air swimming pool has been plunged into a fresh crisis which could leave the cash-strapped facility struggling to stay afloat.

The pool is due to open on Saturday and will remain operational throughout the summer.

But the Environment Agency has announced it plans to close off the main Thomas Street entrance to the site for three weeks next month, while it carries out work on the River Churn.

Swimming pool association chief George Brazier fears the move will put even more pressure on the facility, which is already trying to raise funds for essential maintenance.

He said: "We were absolutely horrified when we found out.

"It's ridiculous to close the footpath in the short season we're open - it's going to knock us to blazes.

"We rely on gate money and not only will it mess us around, it will mess around our patrons.

"People enjoy coming down here. Why has it got to be done then?"

The historic pool only opens for the summer period but attracts a mixture of season ticket holders and casual users.

It is also a popular venue for parties and stages a number of children's and family events.

The only access to the site is from a footpath, which runs alongside the River Churn between Thomas Street and Barton Lane.

But the Environment Agency (EA) wants to close off the Thomas Street end, which is by far the busiest, while it erects a trash screen to filter rubbish out of the river.

Local county councillor Deryck Nash has been making representations in a bid to resolve the issue.

He said: "I was approached to see if I could help. As a result the county council has had urgent discussions with the EA and they are reviewing the situation.

"I think the timing by the EA is absolutely appalling and shows complete disregard for a valuable community asset."

The EA says it needs to carry out the work to bring the section of the Churn - known as Daglington Stream - up to health and safety standards. However, following representations, it says it will now review the situation.

An EA spokesman said: "The date was chosen because flows in the stream will be minimal, allowing work to be carried out safely and to ensure work was completed before the schools' summer holidays, thus reducing the inconvenience closing the street would cause.

"We did consult with the relevant local authorities and the landowner and no objections were raised. However, we have recently been made aware that St Thomas Street is one of the main access routes to Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool and closing it may have an impact on the number of visitors to the pool.

"This is not something we'd want to see happen and will therefore work with Gloucestershire County Council to explore ways of replacing the trash screen without the risk of reducing visitor numbers to the pool.

"We hope to have reached a decision on whether or not this can be done in a week or so and are optimistic that we can find a solution acceptable to all parties."