Newtown pool reopens
Newtown Baths has now reopened following vital repairs.
The pool has been closed since repair work revealed asbestos in the ceiling and roof.
Now, following works totalling £170,000 to safely remove the asbestos and provide new structural supports, it has reopened to the public.
Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture, said: “Re-opening this pool is a major boost for the community and also for the city's elite swimmers, who train at Newtown.
“We have an ambitious long-term goal for new community pools across the city but we know the importance of keeping existing facilities open in the meantime.
“I worked closely with my cabinet colleague Cllr Ayoub Khan to secure funding for the repair work and further down the line we can look at plans for a new pool.”
Ladywood constituency chairman Cllr Carl Rice added: “I am delighted that Newtown Swimming Baths has reopened during the school summer vacation.
“Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy and I urge everyone living in Ladywood constituency to take advantage of the free swimming facilities we can offer at Newtown baths. I myself have the body of a tired fifty something year old man but with regular exercise I feel like a youngster!”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Swim for free in Birmingham this summer
The national free swimming initiative for under-16s and over-60s may have been scrapped but Birmingham residents of all ages can still take the plunge free of charge - thanks to an award winning Birmingham City Council/NHS partnership.
Launched in September 2009, the Be Active scheme offers all Birmingham residents free swimming, group exercise classes and gym sessions.
Click here for more information: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/beactive
For further information contact Geoff Coleman on 0121 303 3501
