Lack of investment over many years, and the perceived inability by all parties involved to properly address maintaining and developing swimming for the south of the Island seems to be what has led to the current recommendation by the Department of Education Sports and Culture to close the Southern Swimming Pool.
However, Liberal Vannin supports the latest efforts by the Southern Swimming School Board, local MHKs and the southern local authorities (as announced on Friday, January 19th) to come up with a short-term financial solution and hopes that the Department and all MHKs can support affording this breathing space, while a sustainable solution is found. This shows a willingness to offer alternative solutions and Liberal Vannin sees this as a positive step towards reaching a resolution that is in the best interests of the Island.
As funding concerns are at the core of this issue, Liberal Vannin calls on government to urgently consider an all-Island Leisure Rate to secure funding for the future of all three of the Island’s regional pools and the NSC. In the longer term, we also call on the Department for Education, Sports and Culture to commit that a new community pool and other leisure facilities will be incorporated in the plans for the new Castle Rushen High School site.
Families in the South of the Island deserve the same level of support for their children to learn to swim and develop swimming skills as those in the rest of the Island. Swimming is also a perfect way for adults to retain fitness and good health throughout their lives.
It is disappointing for the Department for Education Sports and Culture to declare there is no funding available and recommend closure of the Southern Pool, without first exploring the opportunity for an all island leisure rate. We call on Tynwald to press government to introduce an all island leisure rate to make meaningful contributions towards funding for our pools and other community sports facilities on the Island.
The next meeting of Liberal Vannin’s Southern Branch is on Wednesday, February 7th. 7.30 pm at the Railway Station Hotel, Port St Mary. Come along, let us know your views, and join in our campaign.