A LOT has been going on behind the scenes with the group who is working hard to try and re=open Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool.
And recently, they welcomed the Dale’s MP, Sam Rushworth, to see what has been happening there and what he could do to support the team. The current situation at the pool is the result of an asbestos survey, which was positive, allows the group to go ahead with the next stage – to have a detailed inspection of the state of the whole site. This would include such items as the electrics, boilers, the filtration system etc and then to sort out a plan of action.
Mr Rushworth was impressed by what he saw and gave his backing but he does not have a pot of funding.
“The meeting went very well, “ said Dr Stephen Lumb, one of the group trying to bring this much-needed facility back into use. “He was very pleasant, supportive of what we are doing and also had a few good ideas. Sadly, he can’t help financially but has lots of contacts.”
Nothing can be done without funding and to that end, the group has founded a JustGiving fundraising page. There has also been offers from local tradesmen to help out too.
The Stanhope pool is an asset to Weardale, not only for locals but also attracting visitors who help the local economy into the bargain.
Sam Rushworth said, “I share local people’s sorrow over the ongoing closure of the open-air pool at Stanhope. On a personal level, I love outdoor swimming, which is good for physical and mental health. Re-opening the pool is also vital for the visitor economy as we look to increase tourism jobs in Weardale.
Yet again, I am inspired by local volunteers giving their time and talents to get this off the ground and I am keen to support them in anyway I can. It’s not going to be easy, and the pool will sadly not be open this summer, but we mustn’t give up.“
Founded in the early 1960s, it is the only open-air pool in the whole county – and with the added bonus of being heated. The pool needs to re-open but it can only do so with YOUR help.
The link to the JustGiving page follows – please give what you can: Donate – Donation amount – JustGiving
