New poll shows 81% fear unable to swim elsewhere if pool closesJoyce Watson has criticised Gwynedd Council's handling of Harlech's endangered swimming pool and has called on the Assembly's Heritage Minister to work with the council to seek a solution sooner rather than later.
The AM for Mid and West Wales, who has been involved with the Friends of Harlech Pool campaign, questioned the Minister in yesterday’s Plenary session and delivered the results of her Harlech Pool questionnaire, which has been available to fill in online and at the pool side.
JOYCE WATSON AM said: “Gwynedd Council has concluded that continuing to fund the pool is no longer viable, and given that the figures I have obtained show the council has not sought much of the available investment for sports facilities over the past 13 years, this is unfortunate but not surprising.
"Having surveyed people who use the pool regularly, I can tell you that the vast majority—81 per cent—fear they will be unable to access other swimming facilities if Harlech pool closes."
Joyce asked the Minister: " What talks have you have had with Gwynedd Council regarding its statutory obligation to provide swimming for schoolchildren in Harlech?"
The Minister responded that he had not held any recent meetings with Gwynedd Council and that he was sceptical about finding a 'positive outcome'.
He said: “I have had no recent discussions with Gwynedd Council on this matter.
"I appreciate the strength of feeling concerning the future of the Harlech pool, but this remains a matter or the local authority. I understand that the closure of the pool has been postponed until 31 March 2009 to allow the local authority sufficient time for discussions with the local community and the private sector concerning possible alternative provisions in the area.
"I do not think I am in a position to offer any money to Gwynedd Council, therefore it is entirely a matter for the council itself.
"I have grave doubts. I will consider meeting with Gwynedd Council, but I do not think that holding meetings that are unlikely to have any positive outcome is the way forward in this case."
To see a full transcript of the question asked by Joyce Watson AM to the Heritage Minister and his response click here
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