Agenda item

Susan Charles, WWISE Network made a statement to the Panel on the subject of Warm Water Swimming Pools. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

She asked were members of the Panel aware that the plans for the remodelling of the Bath & also Keynsham Leisure Centres do not address the need for a warm water pool suitable for disabled children and young people living with long term conditions so they can go swimming for leisure & recreation as well as to maintain their health & fitness like their able bodied peers?

She said that some members of the current Panel may remember we came before you 2 years ago when a new contract for the management of the B&NES leisure facilities was being negotiated as this provided a window of opportunity to ensure such a facility was included in the contract. She added that there was enormous support for the concept of a warm water pool from this Panel, as well as a number of other committees we talked to at the time.

She said that a statement from the Council was non-committal although it did say that “the Council & the CCG will be working closely to ensure that the new leisure contract provides the best possible service for local people and supports them to live healthy lifestyles”.

She stated that in February 2014, 13 members of the Network participated in a Focus Group as part of the preparation of the Fit for Life Strategy. She added that in the last 2 years we have met with the consultants & officers who negotiated the contract & also had a very positive discussion with the Local Area Manager for GLL after they were awarded the contract. She said that he was very supportive of it being included in the remodelling plans.

She said it was therefore with dismay that we found at the end of  March that the plans for the Bath Leisure Centre do not include such a facility – a second warm water teaching pool is planned but at 60 - 90cm maximum depth, this is not suitable for older children & young people who need a depth similar to adults.

She said that they feel the Council is failing disabled children & young people living with long term conditions by not ensuring their needs are being taken into account in the design of the remodelled Leisure Centre and we ask the Panel to make representation that the design as it is proposed is given further consideration by both the Council & GLL.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if they were aware of a warm water pool in Midsomer Norton.

Pamela Galloway, WWISE Network replied that they were and that it is situated in a day centre that is not open to the public. She added that in her opinion it required some degree of refurbishment.

Councillor Sally Davis asked where the nearest pool that they could use was.

Pamela Galloway replied that there was one in Chippenham and one to the south of Frome.

Councillor Alison Millar asked if the public were allowed to use the hydrotherapy pool at the university.

Pamela Galloway replied that they could, but its minimum depth was 1.4m and that it is not available to the public at weekends.

Councillor Peter Turner asked if a warm water pool was in the specification of requirements agreed.

Pamela Galloway replied that she did not know if it was or not.

Councillor Peter Turner asked if the Mineral Hospital could be used.

Pamela Galloway replied that their facility and that of the RUH is in use by patients throughout the week and there is a long waiting list for both.

The Chairman asked the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Michael Evans to discuss the matter with his colleague Councillor Martin Veal, Cabinet Member for Community Services.

Councillor Liz Hardman proposed that the Panel send their support to the comments made by the WWISE Network.

Susan Charles made reference to two bullet points from the Youth Connect Pledge in support of her comments.

• Respect you as an individual, ensure you are treated equally and provided you with the support you need.

• Provide a range of opportunities so you can take part in things you want to do including participation in a wide range of positive activities, in safe spaces where you can have fun and meet friends.

The Panel RESOLVED to support to the comments made by the WWISE Network in relation to further discussions regarding a warm water swimming pool within the leisure centres of Bath and Keynsham.