Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
18
Feb 2022
Ripon pool and playgrounds will not be open for half-term
Ripon’s multi-million pound swimming pool will not be open on time for next week's half-term school holidays.
It and the new Dallamires children's play area, created on site as part of the £15 million leisure development, are now expected to open next month, according to staff on site.
The play area, which can be accessed from a public footpath off Knaresborough Road, remains fenced off. A sign on the fencing says it 'will open as soon as possible in the new year'.
The pool was due to be ready nine months ago and the project is currently £4m over budget.
In a further setback for parents and grandparents looking for places to take children next week, the Ripon City Council-owned Quarry Moor playground will not be reopening for the time being.
Long-term delay
The six-lane pool was originally due to be completed in May last year for an opening in the summer.
But ground stability issues on site that required remediation caused the initial delay and saw Harrogate Borough Council announce that the opening was going to be in November.
A weather-beaten sign at the Dallamires Play Area says it would open in 'as soon as possible in the new year'.
A planned opening date of December 8 was subsequently announced but a fault discovered during testing of the pool's lining, saw the council say that the opening would take place in January.
When asked if the pool would be open during the half-term holidays, a Harrogate Borough Council spokesman replied:
However, a woman who was hoping to take her grandchildren there next week contacted the Stray Ferret and said:
The grandmother, who asked to remain anonymous, added:
Quarry Moor playground still closed
Half a mile from the pool, the Quarry Moor playground, which closed in September because of rat infestation, still remains shut.
The Quarry Moor playground will also be closed next week
Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, said:
Last year, the city council set aside £70,000 for refurbishment of the playground and Cllr Williams said that additional sources of grant funding were also being explored.
Read more:
- Further delay to Ripon pool opening
- Ripon leisure scheme racks up additional £1m cost
- Ripon’s delayed leisure scheme more than £3m over budget
0