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WELCOME TO RURAL SPLASH
Kirkham Swimming Pool
The Fylde Coast YMCA (click here for more information on the YMCA) officially took over the running of Kirkham swimming pool on Wednesday 1st July.
The YMCA with the support of Rural Splash, the local council and community secured the future of Kirkham swimming pool in late 2008. The final stages of the process was completed when the management of the pool was signed over to the Fylde Coast YMCA.
John Cronin, Executive Director of Fylde Coast YMCA Said:
“We are looking forward to managing Kirkham pool. Providing swimming for the local community is all we have wanted for the last 5 years and we’ll do our utmost to safeguard the sustainability and future of the pool for the local community. I urge residents to maintain their support for the pool by making regular use of it.
I would also like to credit and thank the staff of Kirkham pool who have maintained their hard work throughout the process. “
THE RURAL SPLASH GROUP WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR RURAL COMMUNITY FOR THEIR SUPPORT,
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE BATHS STAFF FOR THEIR WORK AND LOYALTY THROUGH THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME
A message from Cllr Liz Oades
"I should like to thank all those people who have ACTUALLY DONE ALL THE HARD WORK to ensure the future of Kirkham Baths. Thanks to the residents of Kirkham, Wesham and the rural Fylde for their support at all times. Tribute must be made to the members of the Rural Splash group, they are the real reason that the Baths have been saved, they have worked tirelessly since March last year to draw up a workable business plan, they have pioneered the way forward by approaching the Y.M.C.A. with a view to joint working and they have found the way to provide swimming at a much reduced price.
Thank you also to Clare Platt and John Cronin for their recent work in facilitating the deal and all the staff of Kirkham Baths for their hard work and loyalty.
We move forward to a hopefully successful future, we will continue to do all we can to continue to provide leisure services in the rural area and hopefully improve on our present services."
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Previous Meetings:
There was an excellent turnout by the public to a Presentation held at Kirkham Community Centre on Tuesday 7th October 2008 at 7pm. (Read what happened by clicking here)
Kirkham councillor and Committee member Liz Oades said: "We believe Kirkham pool can be saved and it can be enhanced.
"We must have a subsidy to stay afloat and can form a charitable trust and work with the YMCA.
"We need to have a decision about the subsidy by November."
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What you can do now to help Save Kirkham Swimming Pool
The Public meeting held at Kirkham Community Centre on 7th October demonstrated once again the level of concern over the impending closure of Kirkham Swimming Pool.
The community action group “Rural Splash” have worked hard on a rescue package, but the future of this vital community facility will remain uncertain, unless residents demonstrate their support for the plan.
Key to its success, is an annual subsidy from Fylde Borough Council. Without this, closure of the pool will be more likely.
“Rural Splash” have already met with representatives of the Town and Parish Councils, and discussed the idea of small contributions towards the annual running costs. Initial feedback has been supportive.
We are asking you to write to, or email your councillors expressing your support for the plan proposed by “Rural Splash”. In particular it is vital you write to the Cabinet Members. (For Details see below)
The current cabinet system at Fylde Borough Council means that decisions are made by eight elected representatives. These are Portfolio Holders and all belong to the ruling Conservative party. They head up committees of fellow councillors charged with various aspects of council business. The Conservative party in Fylde hold the majority of wards around Lytham and St Annes. Rural voters are generally represented by Independent Councillors. Rural residents are disadvantaged by this system. Therefore it is vital we express our concerns about the future of our facilities.
The closure of Kirkham pool by Fylde Borough Council will leave us without a public swimming pool in a 5-8 mile radius; it will leave the 16 local schools without adequate National Curriculum provision: it will leave many clubs and groups without a facility and many families without affordable and potentially life-saving opportunities.
The plans for the saving and regeneration of the pool represent just part of what could be achievable in rural Fylde with vision, investment and community spirit. If we consider that a scheme to renovate and improve the parks is also underway, our social fabric can be vastly improved.
This will not happen unless tax payers and residents voice their opinions. Councillors are elected to represent us, to offer leadership, to improve our communities. The electorate have a role in this process, so please encourage as many of your family and friends to put pen to paper too.
Full details of the Preliminary Business Plan together with the exciting plans for the building can be viewed by clicking here.
Contact details for Fylde Borough Cabinet members can be found by clicking here
21st October Update
Medlar-with-Wesham Town Council
At the Town Council meeting held on October 21st 2008 it was unanimously agreed that Wesham Town Council would support the proposed finance arrangements and provide the amount detailed the business plan.
Greenhalgh-with-Thistleton Parish Council
At their recent Parish Council meeting Greenhalgh-with-Thistleton have also unanimously agreed to support the financial arrangements.
Ribby with Wrea
Wrea Green Parish Council have also agreed to support the financial arrangements
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Rural Splash, the Kirkham and District Swimming Trust submitted its Business Plan to Fylde Borough Council at 6pm on Tuesday 7th October 2008 in a bid to save Kirkham Baths from closure.
The Baths are due to be closed by Fylde Borough Council in March 2009 unless taken over by the Trust. Chairman of the group, George Raymond Green said "Our team has been working very hard behind the scenes and has produced a professional, robust Business Plan that will reduce overheads and increase income at the Kirkham swimming pool." Even local Parishes which benefit from the use of the pool have agreed to help with the local rate precept. The Business Plan does, of course, rely on an ongoing subsidy from the Fylde Borough Council which a leading Conservative Councillor has indicated the Council would be minded to provide. This is in line with what other Councils throughout Lancashire have agreed to do.
The YMCA, who have a great track record, have offered to assist theTrust in the running of the pool. The Business Plan will be released to the Press at the same time it is submitted to the Council, and members of the public are urged to lobby their Councillors and their local M.P. to support the Business Plan.
The Pool at Kirkham provides 30,000 swims per year to children at 15 local schools and is a vital facility within the Borough. Please support the business plan and use the pool. All welcome!