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20

Apr 2021

Last Updated: 20/04/2021
Community
Community

Starbeck Baths should be 'kept open at all costs', say residents

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 20 Apr, 2021
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Starbeck Residents Association expresses concern that Harrogate Borough Council is 'using covid as an excuse' not to re-open Starbeck Baths. The council says it is awaiting further social distancing guidance.

starbeck-baths

Starbeck Residents Association has expressed concern that Harrogate Borough Council is "using covid as an excuse" not to re-open Starbeck Baths.

The baths, along with two other council-run pools, failed to reopen last week when lockdown restrictions eased.

With no date given for reopening, questions are being asked about the future of the 150-year-old building, which is used by local schools and residents.

Stuart Rhodes, a member of the association's committee, said:

"We should keep it open at all costs. As a piece of architecture, history and a way of keeping Harrogate fit, it is vital.
"There is a worry covid is being used as an excuse to keep it closed."





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The future of the baths has been a contentious issue in recent weeks. The local councillor is asking for a better explanation for its continued closure.

Mr Rhodes said the pool's future had been debated on previous occasions but each time a "community backlash" led to it staying open.

The association has considered applying for the building to get listed status to help preserve its future.

A council spokeswoman said the layout of the baths meant it cannot adhere to current government guidelines.

She added:

“Starbeck Baths remains an important facility amongst the leisure services we provide.
“Due to the unique layout of the building, and the government’s existing social distancing measures, we are currently unable to open the baths.
“We are waiting for the government to publish future social distancing rules which will dictate how quickly we can reopen.”