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Jul 2021

Last Updated: 01/07/2021

Community

Residents wonder if Starbeck Baths will ever re-open

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 01 Jul, 2021

Frustration is growing over the future of Starbeck Baths with residents questioning whether it will ever re-open and asking why Starbeck people are being treated like 'poor relations'.

Residents are growing increasingly concerned that Starbeck Pool will not re-open as uncertainty surrounding its future drags on.

Other Harrogate Borough Council-run pools in the district have re-opened but the local authority is still unable to say when Starbeck Baths will do so.

Starbeck Liberal Democrat councillor Philip Broadbank and local resident Chris Watt are growing increasingly frustrated.

Both question why Ripon Spa Baths has reopened but Starbeck hasn't when they argue both have similar space restrictions.

Mr Watt says he and other residents fear the council is "planning to break its promises to keep the pool in use". He added:

"The council's silence around the future of Starbeck Baths is very worrying. People are increasingly concerned.

"Facilities have re-opened in Ripon, which is in a similarly sized building to Starbeck. A great deal has been spent on repairs at Knaresborough Pool and staff have been found for every other pool in the area.

"Why is the council treating Starbeck people like the poor relations?"

The pool has been closed since December despite the government allowing pools to reopen on April 12.

Harrogate Hydro and Nidderdale Leisure Centre in Pateley Bridge opened on April 12. Ripon Spa Baths opened a month later.

Knaresborough Pool has had new filters installed but is due to reopen this month.

Cllr Philip Broadbank said he did think Starbeck Baths would reopen but added:

"I can't understand or accept that it's remained closed when Ripon has reopened. The layouts are very similar.

"I get frustrated and keep raising it but the council tries to reassure me that the layouts are totally different. I'm not convinced."

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The Stray Ferret asked the council when Starbeck Baths will reopen. A council spokeswoman said:

“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 will have further news in the coming weeks of when the baths will reopen.”

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Residents wonder if Starbeck Baths will ever re-open

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