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03
Jun 2021
Calls to reopen Starbeck Baths heat up as restrictions ease
Local residents have called for Starbeck Baths to reopen this month.
With temperatures soaring, and schoolchildren on half-term, many families in the Harrogate district are keen to go swimming. But the Starbeck pool remains closed — and no reopening date has been announced.
Harrogate Borough Council has said that, due to the nature of the historic building, it would be difficult to open with coronavirus restrictions in place.
But with the lifting of restrictions on June 21 approaching, residents believe there should be no further barriers in the way of reopening and want to keep up the pressure.
Staffing may still be an issue for the baths though. The Stray Ferret understands a number of employees have either left or been seconded to new roles.
The reopening debate has raged since last summer but heated up further last month when Ripon Spa Baths re-opened, which is also based in an old building with limited space.
Harrogate Borough Council said Starbeck Baths would open "shortly" after Ripon Spa Baths but there has been no word since on an opening date.
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The ongoing uncertainty is frustrating residents, including Chris Watt, who told the Stray Ferret:
Philip Broadbank, a Liberal Democrat who represents Harrogate Starbeck on Harrogate Borough Council, added:
Stuart Rhodes, a committee member on Starbeck Residents Association, said:
Councillor Stanley Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport at Harrogate Borough, said in April:
Last month the council said there were no updates and there have been no announcements since.
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