Primary school loses fight to save its swimming pool

Governors at Framwellgate Moor Primary School, on the edge of Durham City, had hoped they could persuade Durham County Council to continue funding the pool on its campus.

But at a meeting of the council's cabinet yesterday, it was decided that the pool should be demolished, creating an annual saving of £290,000.

Director of education Keith Mitchell told the cabinet meeting that the learner swimming pool at the school "takes a lot of upkeep'.'

He stressed, however, that alternative provision would be made for pupils, at the nearby Aykley Heads swimming pool, which is under the management of Durham Constabulary.

Members of the cabinet were told that governors at the school had been anxious to retain the pool, and had argued that the Aykley Heads pool was inappropriate for nervous swimmers.

They also questioned the number of instructors who would be available at the police pool, and pointed out concerns over the cost of transporting children to Aykley Heads.

Mr Mitchell, however, assured the school that the shallow section of the Durham Constabulary pool would be specially roped off for swimming tuition sessions, with instructors available.

He agreed that the move would incur costs, but added: "These costs are already delegated to primary schools as part of the Designated Schools Grant.''

Mr Mitchell said he understood that the governors were anxious to retain the facility, but pointed out that a survey of primary school heads in the county had concluded that learner pools were not the best option for swimming tuition.

Cabinet member for children's services Councillor Neil Foster said he could appreciate the school's wish to keep the pool, but added: "In practical terms, it has come to the end of its life.''

The cabinet meeting agreed that the pool, and the building housing it, should be demolished as soon as possible and the alternative arrangements for swimming should begin in September of this year.