Stafford Borough Council said today that the swimming pool at Alleyne’s Sports Centre is expected to be out of action for at least three more weeks and will cost almost £50,000 to repair.
The council has a joint user agreement with Alleyne’s Academy for the sports centre, with the academy paying 40% of any maintenance work and the borough council 60%. The borough council said it will find its share – around £26,000 – “to ensure swimming continues in Stone”.
Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for leisure, said: “This is a major job. In repair terms it was a catastrophic failure of the pipe and the school have been told it will now cost at least £46,000 to put right. The pool is nearly 40 years’ old and because of its age costly problems such as this are likely to arise.
“I hope the school will be able to find their share of the costs quickly as it is essential this work is done as soon as possible if we are to have the pool opened before Christmas.”
The council had hoped to see the pool re-opened on 17th November.
Bookings / lessons have been cancelled and customers who have pre-booked pool activities are being contacted to let them know the position. All other activities on the ‘dry’ side continue as normal, with life-guard training taking place at Stafford Leisure Centre. Customers with Alleyne’s swim passes can use it at Stafford while the pool in Stone is out of action.
Work to repair electrics which were damaged by water from the broken pipe has cost around £12,000. This cost will be met by the sports centre’s insurers.
A spokeswoman at Alleyne’s Academy said that governors would be discussing the pool situation at a meeting on Tuesday 19th November.
- Alleyne's Academy
- alleyne's sports centre
- Mike Smith
- Stafford Borough Council
- staffordshire
- Stone
- swimming
9 comments
Peter C
Surely they need a target date for re-opening otherwise this will just drag and drag. Stafford is OK but other than 06.30 it’s a 50 min round trip.
Barbara R
I have been trying to lose weight that I put on through comfort eating because of depression, and swimming was helping me with that and with the depression, I hope the pool opens again soon as Stafford is too far for me to get to every day
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Barbara. I think they’re hoping to get the pool open again in early January. We’ll keep you posted
Mark Travis
Does anyone have an update on the outcome of the school governor’s meeting on 19th November?
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Mark – I’ll get one next week. Thanks for the reminder
Mark Travis
Did you manage to find out anything Jamie? Thanks.
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Mark – I’ll chase this up. Thanks for the reminder!
PeterC
Given the ‘threats’ to Alleynes Pool from Westbridge issues I think we all need to make clear to SBC that there is a real demand for swimming provision in Stone. Although you can use Alleynes Swimming passes at Stafford it’s not as convenient and has an 80p Parking Charge. Does the Town Council have a view ?
LadyK3
My daughter has been going to this baths for nearly two years and the swimming classes have brought her on no end. It is a great to have a swimming pool so close and a huge benefit for the high school. May this 40 year old pool continue for at least another 40 years.