Hebden Bridge News

Swimming Pool Plans For Brighouse & Sowerby Bridge

New leisure facilities for neighbouring Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge have taken a step closer to reality. Although still subject to Cabinet approval, a comprehensive business plan has shown that they can be built at no additional cost to council tax payers. In addition, customers will pay no more to use them.

“This is excellent news,” commented Community Services Portfolio Holder Cllr Amanda Byrne. “These first rate facilities will go a long way to address people’s leisure needs. The fact that they are scheduled to cost no more to operate or use is, of course, a very welcome benefit.”

Both facilities will offer a gym, 25 metre main pool and a learner pool, and are scheduled to open in late 2010. Cabinet has approved an initial £6.5m and may approve up to £4.5m additional funding, if necessary. This would be made available through prudential borrowing.

Corporate Services Portfolio Holder Cllr Ian Cooper was encouraged by the plan’s findings. “Full plans can now be worked up now that a robust case for the developments has been made,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether Hebden Royd & District Swimming Pool Association will ever honour their commitment to provide similar facilities for Hebden Bridge, or explain their apparent financial irregularities.

See also: Suspicion Mounts Over Missing Swimming Pool Funds