Schools will plug pool shortage gap

Published on Thursday 23 October 2008 10:01

SCHOOLS in the city will offer their swimming pools to help plug the gap left by the closure of the Royal Commonwealth Pool (RCP).

Children will be given priority usage of the school pools, along with swimming clubs, young people's lessons and some adult and community programmes.

The RCP will close for refurbishment in July 2009 for a minimum of two years.

Among those who will have to find alternative facilities during the 37 million revamp are 42 school swimming classes.

Edinburgh Leisure is working with the council's children and families department to see how its 20 school pools will be able to help city swimmers by being available for use after school hours.

Jamie Edgar, chief executive of the City of Edinburgh Swimming Club, said: "It's a great response and it's good to know that people are rallying round.

"Everything has to be done to maintain momentum while the amount of facilities is reduced."

Phil Potter, head coach of Heart of Midlothian Amateur Swimming Club, added: "Any pool usage when the Commonwealth Pool is closed will be great for all clubs in the city. It is a concern but I'm glad that Edinburgh Leisure are thinking about it."

While the council is happy to offer the use of its school pools, the cash-strapped children and families department is not prepared to shoulder any extra costs – such as paying for refurbishments and staff – which will have to be met by Edinburgh Leisure.

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, the city's education leader, said: "A lot of our schools have excellent swimming facilities and I am delighted that we can work with Edinburgh Leisure to ensure that children continue their swimming lessons while the RCP is being refurbished."

The Commonwealth Pool revamp will partly clash with the 18-month refurbishment of the historic Glenogle Baths in Stockbridge, which closed on Sunday.

City sports leader Deidre Brock added: "The full modernisation and upgrading of the RCP will be well worth the wait but, in the meantime while it is closed, we want to make sure that there are a range of alternative swimming facilities available."