Council to decide whether to go ahead with Maryport pool

In a written statement to the new authority, the mayor of Maryport, Peter Kendall, said that it is ‘appalling’ that Maryport doesn’t have a swimming pool and urged the council to back plans for the new facility in the town.

Plans have previously been drawn up to put a new pool where the Wave Centre is now as part of the Future High Streets Fund for Maryport, but a decision on the future of the pool has yet to be announced by the council.

Maryport has been without a swimming pool for five years after the town’s previous pool, located at Netherhall School, was closed after funding was not granted to enable a refurbishment of the pool.

Following the closure of the pool, a number of dedicated volunteers formed a campaign group, led by Annalee Holliday, to bring swimming back to Maryport.

Speaking to Cumberland Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, April 25, life-long Labour member Mr Kendall said: “I’m passionate about the town and we must get swimming back into Maryport.

“There’s support from the local schools and there’s support from the local community.

“I plead with you. Maryport is the second largest town in Allerdale and it doesn’t have swimming anymore. We must get swimming back – it’s imperative.”

Mr Kendall’s call for the council to approve the plans for the pool have been echoed by local MP, Mark Jenkinson.

Mr Jenkinson has launched a petition for local residents to sign in support of the pool and said he is hoping for a ‘positive outcome’.

“A pool in Maryport will create a number of community benefits, not least to health and wellbeing” said Mark.

“This aligns well with Cumberland Council’s own aspirations and has been ranked among their top priorities.”

“Progress on this project would also go a long way towards righting the wrong created by the closure of the previous pool.”

The rest of the council’s executive meeting was held in private and a decision will be announced at a later date.