Marple Swimming Pool currently closed

[Steve Gribbon]

Hi everyone who reads this

Just to update on the swimming pool situation, I have sent an email to Life Leisure asking for a full and open answer to what is going on and why. I've explained residents concerns (including my own, this is my local pool too) and asked for details of what work is going on.

I included in the letter the fact that other local pools (Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Romiley as examples) have far better facilities than what we have, and asked if there are plans to improve not only the changing facilities but also the viewing area and the exterior which is tired and dated. I totally agree that we deserve better, and with investment more people will take advantage of the facilities.

As soon as I have a reply I will post on here.

Kind regards

Steve Gribbon

[Howard]

There was a chance of one some years ago .

@amazon I assume you're talking about the rumour we heard from people associated with Marple in Action? If I recall, they claimed that the current pool would be knocked down to improve traffic management by putting in new measures at the Hibbert Lane and Stockport Road junction. There were also claims that Tesco/Asda (no-one knew who was planning for a new supermarket at that time) would build and new one  near the new Hibbert Lane supermarket.

As usual at that time there was rumour and counter-rumour all over the place at that time and I never ever heard it more than speculation.

However, the principle is right. there is no way that a town the same size as Marple should have such poor sporting facilities. However, if we did have anything, where would it go? There are only a few places anywhere near the centre that could take a facility of the size needed and I suspect all of them are going to be used for housing in the next few years. In my opinion the best place would be on the Rec. The town would get far more "recreation" out of if than we currently do.

[amazon]

It's by far the oldest pool in the Stockport council leisure estate.  Obviously age doesn't mean that much by itself, if it's kept in good condition.  But in terms of facilities, it hasn't kept up with demand.

There was a chance of one some years ago .

[andrewbowden]

It's by far the oldest pool in the Stockport council leisure estate.  Obviously age doesn't mean that much by itself, if it's kept in good condition.  But in terms of facilities, it hasn't kept up with demand.

[DLL]

Its a farce that a town of Marple's size doesn't have a better / more modeern leisure facility.

We should be equipped with one that is at least on par with Hazel Grove.

The loss of the pool will be make a huge impact for many, i'm hearing that a LOT of work needs to be done.

[Belly]

This is just a sticking plaster over the very deep cracks.

Its a bit of a disaster and hopefully not something that will be used as an excuse for some drastic cost cutting by SMBC / Life Leisure.

I really like Marple pool.

[PhilB]

This is just a sticking plaster over the very deep cracks.

[andrewbowden]

No point in going for a swim in Marple for two months according to Life Leisure.  From an email today:

Stockport Council is undertaking a programme of works across its leisure estate to address priority works that have been identified as being required.

A programme of works has been identified as being required at lifeLEISURE Marple to ensure that it remains operational and complies with up to date regulations. It was anticipated that these works would take place later in 2018 and would have required a period of planned closure.

Unfortunately surveying undertaken in advance of the works being programmed has revealed that problems with the infrastructure and plant at the site are more urgent than previously considered and it has become necessary to close the pool immediately so remedial works can commence on site.
 
It is anticipated that the period of closure will be at least two months. The gym and changing facilities continue to be open as normal.

As soon as we have more detail of the programme from the maintenance contractors we will provide an update. In the meantime, customers are welcome to use alternative lifeLEISURE swimming facilities. The nearest sites to Marple are at lifeLEISURE Romiley and lifeLEISURE Hazel Grove.
 
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we will endeavour to keep you updated with progress.

[andrewbowden]

Closed again!

From the Life Leisure website

The swimming pool at Marple Pool is closed until further notice due to an unplanned maintenance issue which has arisen. The Council and Life Leisure are working with appropriate contractors to resolve this issue as soon as possible. The gym and changing rooms are open as usual.  Customers can use alternative Life Leisure swimming facilities at Romiley during the closure period.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we will endeavour to keep you updated with progress.

[marveld]

Hang on, is it not 25m long? Does this mean I have to give back all my badges?!

Alison

Blimey - you probably do!!  lol

I achieved my Gold Swimming badge (I never did my Honours) and 800 metres (never got round to doing the 1500), but as I recall the additional distance was factored into the swim. I swam for my badges circa 1974.

[Belly]

Indeed, the need to do an extra length every 10 is a little frustrating, but i can live with it.

Yes the pool is a little bit shabby, but importatly it is still there and, I for one, am very thankful for that. The guys there have also helped two of my daughters learn to swim, which is fantastic for somewhere right on my doorstep. Its a vital community facililty and it deserves as much support from the community as we can give it.

[andrewbowden]

Hang on, is it not 25m long? Does this mean I have to give back all my badges?!
Alison

It's 25 yards long I believe - that's 22.86m. Basically to do the equivalent of 10 lengths you'd do in a "normal" pool, you need to do 11 in Marple.

[alison]

With a little work, it might even be possible to extend the pool to a full 25m and I'm sure it could be widened a little because the side of the pool is rather wide.

Hang on, is it not 25m long? Does this mean I have to give back all my badges?!

Alison

[CllrGeoffAbell]

Genuinely impressed with the research of @andrewbowden  !  I admit the rare times I swim (outdoor activity more my thing) I go to Romiley as the cleanest and best run.  Or Hyde.

[Howard]

Of course it's not likely to happen any time soon.  Nor is - if we're honest - there going to be a new pool built any time.  For starters, where would it even be able to go?  (Delivery office site!)

The only places it cuold go and still be reasonably central are playing fields which would mean The Rec, Hawk Green common, Marple Cricket Club or Marple Hall School. Otherwise you're looking at a green field site or land from Memorial or Brabyns Park.

Let's face it, none of those options would ever get through local campaigners.