Spare Time

The pool which only re-opened a few months ago has been plagued with problems.  Following eighteen months of bitter battle between residents in the area and Croydon Council, a local head teacher says, it’s been a huge disappointment.

Pupils at Ryelands Primary School have seen their swimming lessons cancelled twice in as many weeks when the pool had to be closed for health and safety reasons. 

Head teacher Carmel Dolan said:  “It’s not just our own school that is affected.  Let’s not forget they are members of the local community and we do encourage our parents to take their children swimming.”

”It’s something the children really look forward to.  Some children haven’t been swimming in the time the pool was closed [18 months during refurbishment] so there was real disappointment at not being able to go swimming”, explains Natalie

The large pool on Portland Road has been at the centre of a bitter battle which began when the new Conservative run council decided to cancelled plans for a new sports facility, and opted instead to have the pool refurbished.

It’s the disappointment for pupils say Carmel which is the most difficult thing to deal with.  

 “That time [cancelled lessons] we can’t reclaim. ...  If this continues, I should imagine there will be an outcry.  At the moment it’s not acceptable”.

What do you think of the refurbished pool?  Do you think this [refurbishment] was the best option for the community?

email. evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk