At a meeting on Wednesday (January 17), Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners expressed “dismay and anger” at the decision to close the Southern Pool.
The local authority have ‘”vowed to do everything in their power to reverse the decision”.
The Commissioners noted that the decision to close the pool appeared to be based on some flawed assumptions, the worst-case scenario and was likely to lead to greater expense to central government than keeping the facility open.
Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners
The Commissioners noted the social and educational cost this decision would have on the many pool users from the south and wondered why this had not been considered by those taking the decision.
It has urged all parties to now focus on finding a pragmatic solution to keep the facility open.
The Commissioners paid the 6p rate requested for this current financial year.
Southern Pool
According to the Isle of Man Government, shutting the Southern Swimming Pool would save the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) around £434,000 a year.
Government says that it would also allow it to support the remaining pools within budget.
The regional pools are funded through local rates that total around £92,000 and an annual £1.75m Government subvention.
The majority of which is used to cover operating costs and for the Northern and Western pool buildings and loan repayments.
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