Tories plan to privatise Milton Road Health Hydro (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Tories plan to privatise Milton Road Health Hydro

July 21, 2005 1:16 PM

Milton Road Swimming Pool to be privatised?

Conservatives have confirmed in a written answer to the Liberal Democrats their plans to seek a private sector partner to manage the Milton Road Health Hydro in Swindon's town centre.

Cllr Mike Evemy (Lib Dem Eastcott) said: "The Tories have now revealed their intention to sell the Milton Road Health Hydro, which includes the only swimming pool in the town centre. A private leisure complex is clearly their preferred option.

"Town centre residents deserve high-quality swimming facilities close to where they live. The Conservative's proposals would restrict access only to those who could afford the higher fees which a private complex would charge. Public swimming pools do not make money, but they provide a vital public service encouraging and enabling healthy living for all our residents."

Cllr Evemy submitted two questions to Cllr Justin Tomlinson, the Conservative Cabinet Member for Leisure, at last night's council meeting. He then questioned Cllr Tomlinson further on his replies.

Cllr Mike Evemy concluded:

"Conservatives councillors are considering plans to sell off allotments around the Borough to housing developers. Now we find, they are planning to privatise vital public services, restricting access to those who can afford to pay much higher charges. Town centre residents need a leisure facility that everyone can use, not an exclusive facility for the better off."

The Health Hydro in the town centre is steeped in history. Built in 1891 the building still has many old features, there are Turkish baths, a gym, two swimming pools - a 33-metre 5-lane main pool and a smaller and warmer small pool ideal for learning. There are also numerous meeting rooms and practitioners specialising in alternative treatments. Milton Road was originally built for the GWR workers at the same time as the Mechanics Institution Building in the days when 'steam was king'. The centre has been looked after and re-furbished by Swindon Council ever since. The roof trusses over the large pool are fabricated from rail.

Cllr Evemy's questions and Cllr Tomlinson's written replies are shown below:

1. Question: "Would the lead member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation advise me of the number of employees working at the Health Hydro and Milton Road Baths each year since 2000, the number of positions which have become vacant since May 2004 and whether these vacancies have been filled, deleted or transferred elsewhere?"
1. Answer: "The number of staff working at the Health Hydro since 2000 have remained constant at 15-16 full-time equivalents. Since May 2004, 5 posts have been vacant for short periods. These have all been filled or are in the process of being filled. A part-time reception post was deleted as an efficiency saving within the 2005/6 budget."
2. Question: "Would the Lead Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation give the Council an assurance that there are no plans to close the Milton Road Baths or prevent their continuing use by members of the public."
2. Answer: "The Recreation Change Programme has an action to: "Seek a partner for managing and refocusing the Health Hydro at the best financial return to the Council". The building is Grade 2 listed requiring its former health/leisure use to be maintained. Should however, the development deliver a premium market facility, clear statements of interest towards alternative provision will be made."