Transfer of Bingley Pool 'needs to be priority'

As part of budget cuts by Bradford Council, Bingley's town centre swimming pool is likely to close early next year.

Since the planned closure was announced several years ago, a group of residents have been working on a way to retain the vital facility.

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Called the Friends of Bingley Pool, the group is currently working on a "community asset transfer" that would see Bradford Council hand over the running of the pool to the group. But the group has warned that the move needs to be made soon, or the town could be left without pool facilities from March.

After receiving funding from Bingley Town Council, the group drew up a business case for the pool, which they say demonstrates it is a "viable community business."

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A statement from the group said: "The Council was positive about our request for a community asset transfer with a view to take over the management of the pool after a six month transition period starting in September.

"Since that meeting the process has stalled despite the trustees’ efforts to push things forward.

"As a result it will not be possible to begin transition in September and there is a real possibility that in March 2020 Bradford Council will close the pool without a CAT in place.

The closure of the pool in March without a CAT would leave the school children of Bingley with no school swimming as Bradford Council does not have enough water time at other pools" - The Friends of Bingley Pool

"The closure of the pool in March without a CAT would leave the school children of Bingley with no school swimming as Bradford Council does not have enough water time at other pools.

"Though we understand that Bradford Council are dealing with a large number of CAT requests at the moment, we believe the Bingley Pool CAT needs to be prioritised as it is complex and not only a transfer of asset (building) but also of services."

The group says the pool could become a wider community hub incorporating the town's the Youth Café as well as providing recycling facilities and affordable office space.

Marcus Dearden, a local businessman and former town councillor, recently became co-chair of the group, and said: "It is an important time for the FOBP, if the transfer is to be successful a collaborative approach needs to be taken, whilst Bradford Council is inundated with asset transfers, Bingley Pool must be made a priority."

It is a fantastic opportunity to create a community hub, providing local services including the pool. It would provide a focal point for Bingley, ideally located near the market square and Main Street" - Former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe

The group has also gained the support of Bingley resident and former Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe.

A former MP for Bradford South, Mr Sutcliffe said: "The asset transfer of Bingley Pool to the local community is vital to the future viability of our town. It is a fantastic opportunity to create a community hub, providing local services including the pool. It would provide a focal point for Bingley, ideally located near the market square and Main Street."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We have been working with the Friends of Bingley Pool and the local community to facilitate the Community Asset Transfer for some time now.

"We are already prioritising this Community Asset Transfer of Bingley Pool with a target date of April 2020 for completion.

"We have a track record of delivering successful Community Asset Transfers all over the district and we are therefore confident that the Council can achieve this by the target date.”

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