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07
Jul 2021
Harrogate Borough Council said today it will reopen Knaresborough Pool on Monday next week and Starbeck Baths on July 19.
However, Starbeck's reopening depends on government social distancing measures being lifted that day as anticipated.
The council tweeted the news this afternoon to end months of uncertainty, questions and suspicion over the venues' futures.
Lockdown restrictions eased on April 12 to permit swimming pools to re-open.
However, a problem with the pool filters at Knaresborough forced it to remain closed and the council blamed social distancing restrictions for the delay in reopening Starbeck.
Frustration has grown in recent weeks, particularly over the future of Starbeck Baths, with residents questioning whether it would ever re-open.
The news that Starbeck Baths would finally reopen was welcomed by local resident Chris Watt, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to reopen the pool.
He was due to ask a question about it at tonight's full council meeting.
Sessions at Knaresborough can only be booked through the council's website from 10am on Friday. Details on how to book for Starbeck will be announced at a later date.
Trevor Watson, director for economy and culture at the council, said:
"It is fantastic news that the swimming pool in Knaresborough is set to open ahead of the school summer holidays, as I know local parents and children are keen to jump back in the pool."
He added that being required to self isolate had presented staffing problems at the pools.
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