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30
Nov 2021
Last Updated: 30/11/2021
Spa Baths won't reopen as Ripon waits for delayed new pool
Frustrated at the lack of local swimming facilities, Ripon City Council's leader had requested that the old Spa Baths be reopened whilst a fault with the new pool is fixed.
Ripon Spa Baths
Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) has said it is unable to reopen the Spa Baths while Ripon residents wait for the delayed opening of the new pool.
The reopening request came from Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, following Friday's news from HBC that its multi-million pound scheme won't be opening next week.
A fault found in the lining of the six-lane pool (pictured below) means that its opening will be delayed to an unspecified date in January.
In the meantime, Spa Baths, which was closed by HBC on 7 November, won't be reopening as a stop-gap.
In response to an email that Cllr Williams sent to Councillor Stanley Lumley, HBC's cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said:
"The swimming pool at Ripon Spa Baths is currently being emptied and the utilities that serve the pool have been turned off.
"We have also transferred staff from the baths to Ripon Leisure Centre for training at the new pool or to other facilities across the Harrogate district to ensure leisure provision can continue to be provided.
"Therefore, we are unable to re-open the Spa Baths, residents will be most welcome in the short term at one of our other district pools."
Earlier this week HBC said the fault with the new pool is not related to sinkhole issues. Cllr Lumley, pointed out:
"Every large building project has snagging issues to resolve when nearing completion and this project is no different, it is very important we address any defects before opening so we can hand over this superb facility for the people of Ripon."
Cllr Williams, told the Stray Ferret:
"Surely, it would have been sensible to have kept Spa Baths open until all necessary testing at the new pool had been carried out, but Ripon residents now have to wait until an unknown date when they can go swimming once more in the city.
"For many, having to travel to Harrogate, Pateley Bridge or Knaresborough for a swim is not a practical proposition."
He added:
"We have had delays, alongside substantial increases in the cost of the project and there is still uncertainty about the opening date."
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