GMB study shows swimming pool closures in the North East

The GMB union conducted a study which showed that since 2010, 500 public swimming pools have closed across the UK, with almost half of those being in the last five years.

These closures represent a loss of more than 34,000 square metres of water space, the study found.

The GMB said a large number of these closed swimming pools were council-owned, including some in the North East.

A swimmer. (Image: Stuart Boulton) Kevin Brandstatter, GMB national officer, said: “Local authorities are being forced to close so many swimming pools.

“Learning to swim is a basic life skill, splashing in a pool is a fundamental childhood joy – two things being potentially now denied to thousands of youngsters.

“Taken to its extreme, it leaves young people at risk of drowning.

“It’s going to take years to repair the damage the Tories did, but Labour’s fair funding review must start funding local authorities properly again.”

Leaders across local government and the fitness and leisure sector have urged the Government to increase funds for these community assets.

This includes leisure centres, swimming pools, and gyms.

A swimmer. (Image: Stuart Boulton) A large coalition combining the Local Government Association, Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association, Community Leisure UK, Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers, Swim England, and UKActive has expressed its thoughts.

They feel funding should be invested in the facilities that people rely on daily in order to stay active and healthy.

Other areas affected include London, the West Midlands, South West, Wales, South East, Yorkshire, Scotland, North East and the Midlands.

Liz Green, who chairs the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “Local communities rely on sport and leisure facilities every day, whether it is swimming for the family or going to the gym.

“The benefits to both physical and mental health can be life-changing, yet without urgent investment we risk losing these altogether.”

She welcomed a recent announcement by the Government of £400 million for grassroots sports facilities.

A swimmer. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The coalition also warned that 60% of swimming pools still around are beyond their expected lifespan or in need of refurbishment.

The GMB also recently published a report revealing that 30% of children in Year 7 cannot swim 25 metres confidently, which is an increase from the 27% in 2017/18.

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: “As part of our plan for change, we are absolutely committed to building a healthier nation and reducing pressure on our NHS.

“Having pledged £400 million to support grassroots facilities, we are now working with the sport and leisure sector and local areas to understand what’s needed to get people active in their community.

“We will ensure that this funding promotes health, wellbeing and community cohesion and helps to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups.”

Other areas affected by council-owned swimming pool closures include London, the West Midlands, South West, Wales, South East, Yorkshire, Scotland and the Midlands.