I oppose the suggested plans to close Harlech Swimming Pool and believe it is a valuable facility that should be supported by Gwynedd Council. It's closure is incompatible with Government, Welsh Assembly and Gwynedd Council inclusion of swimming as a requirement in national school curricula.
Its closure would:
1. significantly reduce the opportunity for the local population and schools to enjoy the health and safety benefits of swimming and
2. prevent the future running of The Harlech Triathlon.
Harlech Triathlon brings prestige and tourism to the area and is a source of pride to the town. The loss of the event would affect the local community and also the thousands of athletes who have so far enjoyed this competition.
I welcome the efforts of Gwynedd Assembly Member Joyce Watson to support the campaign and I am pleased that a stay of execution has been granted until April 2009. However I am worried by Gwynedd Council's pledge to try and find a private sector solution. This sounds like a euphemism for development of the site of the present pool without guarantee of a new pool being open before closure of the present one.
I ask Gwynedd Council to reconsider their plans and prioritise keeping a pool open in Harlech that is suitable for both local users and visitors to the area. The pool should also be suitable as a venue for Harlech Triathlon which requires a length of 25m and at least 5 lanes.
I want to sign the petition to keep Harlech Swimming Pool open.