Westbury residents to quiz councillor on future of historic pool (From Wiltshire Times)

Westbury residents to quiz councillor on future of historic pool

4:30pm Tuesday 30th March 2010 in Westbury By James Williams

Residents in Westbury will get the opportunity to quiz the cabinet member responsible for sport and leisure on the future of their Victorian swimming pool at a public meeting next week.

Westbury Swimming Pool, the oldest working pool in the country, is being included in an ongoing countywide review of leisure facilities being carried out by Wiltshire Council.

People in the town have shown their support for the pool by signing a petition started by Dilton Marsh campaigner Bob Lee, as well as joining the Save Westbury Swimming Pool group on social networking site Facebook, which now has more than 1,400 members.

A public meeting will be held at The Laverton on Thursday at 7pm with Conservative councillor Stuart Wheeler due to attend.

Wiltshire Council member for Westbury East, Mike Cuthbert-Murray, who has organised the meeting, said: “It’s open to everyone and we’re expecting it to be a very busy meeting.

“The town council has given us the building to hold any meetings for which we’re thankful.

“I’m hoping that at the meeting Wiltshire Council gives its 100 per cent assurance that Westbury Swimming Pool is safe for future generations.”

A representative from Wiltshire’s public health department will also be present.

Mr Lee’s online petition can be accessed at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/savewestburypool. A paper petition, which will be submitted to Wiltshire Council, is also available to sign in town shops.