Scartho Baths closure: Council urges people to back new pool and not look to the past
THE council wants people to "move on" from the closure of Scartho Baths and check out plans for a new pool to replace it – before it submits a planning application in April.
Councillor Mick Burnett North East Lincolnshire Council's (NELC) portfolio holder for tourism and culture (which includes sport) announced it will release designs for Grimsby's new swimming pool next week.
-
AMBITIOUS PROJECT: The proposed new leisure facilities are to be built on land in front of the existing Grimsby Leisure Centre.
-
BRIGHT IDEAS: Councillor Mick Burnett, right, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism is pictured with Richard Topliss, left, projects officer for sport and leisure and Rob Allison, principal sports development officer. Picture: Rick Byrne
-
VISION: Artist's impressions of the new Grimsby Leisure Centre on Cromwell Road
The £8.4-million pool in Cromwell Road will eventually replace Grimsby Swimming Pool (Scartho Baths) which more than 7,000 people signed a petition to save after the closure was announced.
However, after a second consultation process – which many claimed was inadequate – councillors made the same decision again.
BLINDS & CURTAINS MADE 2 MEASURE WE COVER SCUNTHORPE & GRIMSBY...
View detailsFor all types of blinds and curtains please phone 809887 for a free quote **Free measuring and Fitting service** www.grimsby-sunblinds.co.uk
Contact: 01472 809887
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
NELC is now asking the public to comment on designs for a new pool in the consultation and Councillor Burnett (Lab, Croft Baker) said: "This is about plans for a brilliant new pool – not about revisiting the decision to close the one in Scartho. That decision has already been made – twice – and we need to move on.
"We are now moving forward with the next phase in the planning process and want to hear from as many people as possible."
NELC will use comments from the public to adapt the designs before submitting a planning application – which it hopes to do some time in April.
However, Mr Burnett's refusal to re-open the case on Scartho Baths will anger many campaigners who heavily oppose the closure.
Chair of Save Scartho Baths Group Richard Macklam has urged councillors to get round the negotiation table one last time with residents and MPs Martin Vickers and Austin Mitchell, who have spoken publicly against the closure.
Mr Macklam said: "The problem is that they have gone past the point of no return and don't want to listen to objections or someone will get egg on their face. When eminent people like our MPs even criticise the decisions and suggest we could get it cheaper elsewhere, I can't think of any other reason why they won't re-think.
"Refurbishing the current pool would be cheaper in a time of austerity and it would remain central – I just can't work out why they are so intent on building it on Cromwell Road."
3D Models will go on display at Scartho Baths from noon to 3pm, and Grimsby Auditorium from 5pm to 8pm, on Wednesday, March 6.
You can also view them by visiting the planning section on www.nelincs.gov.uk
For past stories on this go to www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and click on this headline
50 Comments
View all
by stujaffray
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:08PM
“The Audit Commission is now involved , there is plenty to look at !”
by Davex66
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 5:54PM
“"after a second consultation process – which many claimed was inadequate – councillors made the same decision again" This consultation wasn't inadequate - it was rigged and dishonest.
The only thing I can say in favour of this site for the new swimming baths is that it would hide the leisure centre from view!
It was a Labour council that decided to put the leisure centre in Cromwell Road in the first place - the same argument applied about accessability applied then too!”
by harryX
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:00PM
“Can someone confirm whether or not I'm imagining things?
Did anyone see an article on this website, publishing letters the Telegraph received about the swimming baths scandal?”
by kevcheeseman
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 11:47AM
“whats in it for you burnett
whats in it for you burnett?”
by superglue
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 3:34PM
“Are we also customers of the Police?”
by inthemachines
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 3:29PM
“There's plenty of other reasons, apart from this disgraceful misuse of public money, for hanging on to payment. We should at least re-assess what the value of the services they provide. We are, after all, considered CUSTOMERS of NELC plc.”
by harryX
Monday, March 04 2013, 6:21PM
“This whole situation is quite embarrassing really when you think about it.
Thousands and thousands of residents are allowing themselves to be beaten by a handful of power crazed opportunists in town hall. They're winning purely through psychology means. It's no good waiting for the elections to vote them out, they know by this time the electorate will have mellowed. Citizens of NEL have the biggest weapon. Starve them! Withhold Council Tax payments, there would be nothing they could do, unless 70,000 empty prison cells are waiting to be filled. It's simple, the job would be sorted within 2 months.”
by vartson
Monday, March 04 2013, 4:12PM
“What was the outcome with the Local Government Ombudsman over this?
http://tinyurl.com/cu64lp5
Is there any way the Police can be involved? Remember it's the citizens of North East Lincolnshire whose money is being used/wasted against their wishes. Is there no criminal implications.
Another suggestion is the Audit Commission. Anyone know how they could be involved?”
by GYCitizen1979
Monday, March 04 2013, 1:34PM
“I could run naked through the townhall slapping the back of my neck screaming ''LOOK AT ME'' and i swear blind these muppets wouldn't even notice. But there is nothing any of us can do now becuase by the time the next elections come around it will already be done, then the next lot will blame the last lot, I think the only way is to vote independent, but you need a lot of them to be really independent. Still amazes me the total arrogance of the leaders of this council, nothing has been done thats transparent and makes you wonder that if this can happen in a democracy like ours, then no wonder other countries just do as they please, it wouldn't matter even if you thought it was back handers, there is no organisation you can go to that could scritinise whats gone on, its totally laughable, but the thing is the leaders just take it in there stide, they really are not bothered what people think”
by justsaying
Monday, March 04 2013, 8:47AM
“"Dear Cllr Burnett
I will not be able to give my comments on March 6th as I will be at work, so I will make them here (the printable ones at least)
Thanks for the nominal effort to find out my opinion - as if you care what it is!
1. Build the pool in Scartho Road
2. Save money by renovating Scartho Road
3. Make it bigger than 25metres
4. Include a diving area
Labour people visit my house at the next election asking for my vote at your own risk
I would send my comments to the council, but there is no facility to do it (What a surprise!)"”