Protest at Dimensions Saturday 15 March

Photos by Simon Bamford, report by Peter Kent-Baguley (councillor)



Last year an incredible 700 young children learned to swim at Dimensions Splash Pool. Parent after parent told me at this morning's demonstration, staged to show the breadth and depth of feeling against Labour's Budget decision to close it down, just how how safe and secure the pool is for young children who so easily and quickly overcome their fears of water.

In my brief speech I said that when the Labour Elected Mayor releases the accounts for Dimensions, everyone will be able to see that the pool is far from being a drain on the Council Tax. I also said that it was irresponsible of Labour not to publish the cost of decommisioning the pool - thought to be as a high as £1m! As I had at Budget Council, I emphasised that in fact the closure had nothing at all to do with running costs but was all about the thin end of the wedge of privatisation. The Elected Mayor claims to consult and listen but he has not done so on this issue. My call to the Elected Mayor NOT to go ahead with his plan to close the pool in a matter of weeks at the end of the financial year but to leave it for at least six months during which time meaningful consultations and discussions can be held. It makes no sense to close a much used, much valued sport/leisure facility, particularly at a time when government and council policy is to encourage more physical activity!

Labour's Cllr Dave Conway, Burslem North, did not attend the Budget Council but spoke against closure this morning at the rally. Potteries Alliance Cllr Ted Owen, Burselm South, who voted against the Budget and closure said how important the pool was for young children and elderly people with a frailty as well as people of any age with a permanent or temporary disability. Stoke North MP, Joan Walley, underlined some of the points I had made, especially about a a coherent strategy and policy for sport and leisure and the inappropriate time to close the pool before full discussions have taken place.

There was a very positive buzz amongst the demonstrators and a determination to press the case against closure. Many people took petition forms, determined to add to the 3,000 names already submitted to the Council.