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Borough and Partners looking at swimming pool options for Crewe

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and MMU Cheshire are examining the viability of a jointly managed state-of-the-art swimming and aquatic sports centre for the town.  There is a case for looking towards a replacement for the Crewe Swimming Baths at Flag Lane as the facility comes towards the end of its useful life.  The cost of the initial feasibility study is being met by the Higher Education Funding Council.

However, Council officers were keen to point out that the feasibility study is to carefully examine the circumstances under which a joint facility would work to the mutual benefit of both local residents and the growing student population.  It will assess the current usage of the swimming pools at MMU Alsager and the Crewe pool, usage of the dry sports facilities, the financial resources and the capacity for a joint facility to operate efficiently.

The feasibility study should report by the end of May 2008 and the Borough Council will then look at this and other options that include the Flag Lane site and the sports complex at the Cumberland Arena.  The Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Councillor Bill McGinnis, said:  “The possibilities offered by MMU and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council working together on this project are very exciting but we will have to wait until we can examine the findings of the feasibility study.  Then we will be in a better position to consider which of the several options may be the best route for us to pursue.”

ENDS

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8th February 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: Ian Richardson - 01270 537018

news.views@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk