Lib Dems welcome Royston Learner Pool funding

Lib Dems welcome Royston Learner Pool funding

North Herts Liberal Democrats have welcomed new proposals for a Learner Swimming Pool at Royston Leisure Centre. The move follows a long-running campaign by local Liberal Democrats to build a new facility for the people of Royston and the surrounding villages, to provide much-needed additional swimming capacity.

After initially proposing to scrap the project altogether last year, and facing strong opposition from the Lib Dems, Labour councillors agreed to complete a feasibility study instead. The result of the feasibility study - and an improvement in the council’s wider financial position - means that funding has now been put forward to complete the project after all. Draft budget proposals being considered this week include £4m from the Council’s reserves to construct a new pool alongside the existing one. If approved, the pool could open in 2028.
 

Lib Dem Cllr Tim Johnson, who has championed the initiative, said: “This is fantastic news for families and swimmers in Royston. Everyone knows that the pool here has been over capacity for a long time, and so it is great that our strong local campaign for a new facility has finally paid off. This is the kind of Labour U-Turn I can get behind!”

Cllr Ruth Brown said: "I am thrilled that this project looks set to go ahead; swimming is so important and the town needs more capacity. The Lib Dems have campaigned strongly to make this happen, and now it looks like it will!"