Swimmer dives into row about 'abysmal' state of town's pool
A SECOND Spalding swimmer has hit out at the "abysmal" state of some of the facilities at the town's pool.
Celia Fitton is fed up with the condition of the changing facilities at the Castle Swimming Pool in Pinchbeck Road.
Mrs Fitton contacted the Spalding Guardian after reading about similar complaints raised by Cradge Bank man James Le Sage.
She said: "My main gripe is with the changing rooms. The lockers are abysmal and at one stage a couple of months ago only 20 out of a block of 50 were operational.
"Several have had their locks replaced but a number are still unusable. The sauna has had two benches missing for months.
"I used to think that the swimming pool was an asset to the people of Spalding. Now I'm not so sure."
Mrs Fitton also believes that the pool's schedule doesn't cater sufficiently for people wanting to swim lengths rather than take part in classes.
The pool's programme is decided by South Holland District Council and carried out by centre managers Leisure Connection.
She said: "Even when sessions are advertised as being for general swimming, pool staff are often teaching a young child in the shallow end while two of the lanes are closed for a swimming club."
Mrs Fitton wrote a number of letters raising her concerns to the pool's former manager Duncan Gibb between March and June last year but she believes the problems haven't been dealt with.
A spokesman for Leisure Connection said that replacement benches in the pool's sauna had to be custom made, meaning a six-week delay between order and delivery.
A new pump has recently been installed to provide the pool's showers with more hot water.
The spokesman added: "Leisure Connection has installed a brand new clock in the main swimming pool hall, and improved showers which are of a higher quality than those which were previously available.
"Castle Sports Complex prides itself on offering a facility for the entire community and therefore needs to ensure everyone is catered for.
"At times this does mean that certain parts of the pool need to be segmented to allow younger and less confident swimmers the opportunity to feel the benefits of the swimming pool.
"There are daily length and adult-only sessions for more experienced swimmers. A full pool programme can be obtained by contacting the centre direct on 01775 769373."
And South Holland District Council's head of leisure and tourism Simon Starr said that the authority plans to replace the lockers, but when the work is carried out depends on the council's other priorities.
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Weather for Spalding
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -7 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
