£500k funding boost towards Oldham's swimming pools

Oldham Council been given the maximum award of £500,000 from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.

The money will be used to help with operating costs such as heating and pool chemicals – the price of which have all gone up significantly in recent years – at the seven pools across the Oldham borough.

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “This funding is really good news for the borough.

“Babies all the way through to pensioners use our pools every day and they remain as popular as they’ve ever been.

“Swimming pools are important to our communities as they provide the chance for Oldhamers to learn a skill that they can use and enjoy for the rest of their lives.

"And on top of that swimming also has good physical, mental and social benefits.” 

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced in March this year by the government.

Oldham is one of more than 100 local authorities which have been awarded a share of £20 million after a successful application.

The money is to be used to assist with increased operating costs.

Cllr Dean added: “I’d like to thank officers and OCL (Oldham Community Leisure) colleagues for securing this funding for the borough, especially in these challenging financial times.

"Like everything across the country, the cost of running our leisure facilities has increased significantly.

“However, we remain committed to providing opportunities for our local communities to enjoy swimming and to be active.”

Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive of OCL, said: “Swimming pools are vital to teach our children such an important life skill as well as providing a safe space for people of all ages to exercise regularly.

“We currently have record numbers on our swimming lessons after Covid and this funding will help protect the service for the foreseeable future.”

For information about pool opening times or swimming lessons, please click here

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