CUMBERLAND council has shelved plans for a new swimming pool in Maryport, saying the facility could have meant 'potentially spending close to half a million pounds of taxpayers’ money every year'.
The authority had concerns about the cost of building a pool at The Wave Centre, as construction costs rose dramatically and energy prices increased.
Meetings will now take place with the community to design a new attraction which will 'both benefit the local residents and appeal to the town’s visitors too'.
The majority of the money for the swimming pool was coming from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
A spokesperson for Cumberland Council, said: “We realise this is hugely disappointing news for the people of Maryport who were keen to see this new facility at The Wave.
“Councillors felt that the council simply cannot afford to commit large amounts of revenue funding for a pool which may never be financially sustainable.
"In addition to subsidising the increasing build costs, this project will not be viable because of the funds required to operate it.
"We are, sadly, not alone in this – swimming pools are closing across the UK for the very same reasons.
“In terms of the build, our teams, and our leisure partner Better, have tried to combat the rising costs of construction materials and energy prices by retendering and recosting every aspect of this project but we simply cannot make opening this expensive new facility affordable at this time.
“The team will now put all their energy into creating new, ambitious and exciting alternatives for Maryport, in addition to the great work taking place there already.
"The alternative won’t be a swimming pool but we are confident that we can make something that will be appealing to local people and visitors alike.
"We are absolutely committed to continuing to invest in Maryport and will be talking to the community at the earliest opportunity. Please get involved and give us your feedback.”
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