CAMPAIGNERS say a proposed swimming pool in Kenilworth is not up to scratch and would fit just 14 swimmers in.
The new £9million indoor pool is set to replace the current outdoor pool at Abbey Fields as part of a revamp of the leisure centre by Warwick District Council.
But campaigners from Restore Kenilworth Lido say such a small number of swimmers would make the pool crowded and the development would be a waste of taxpayers money.
To showcase the size, the team spread out tarpaulin measuring the same as the 15 x 8 metre planned pool and invited people to take a ‘dip’.
A campaign group spokeswoman said: “The new indoor pool is considerably shorter than a tennis court and, with 14 people in the pool, swimming would be far from fun – more like a dodgems arcade.
“A second indoor pool is really not good use of up to £9million of taxpayer’s money and the council need to halt any further action and look at the feasibility of the lido option.
“The group’s vision is of a re-furbished indoor pool complemented by a 25m heated outdoor pool.”
But Warwick District Council says the new pool will be ‘ideal’ for the activities it has planned.
A spokeswoman told the Observer: “A tarpaulin sheet would not accurately demonstrate the true size of the pool as it has no depth. The pool size has been chosen as it will be ideal for the activities that the council is proposing for a new, year round versatile pool space. With the planned retractable floor it will be possible to run three children’s swimming lessons side by side or aqua-aerobics and the new design is also likely to include greatly improved, state of the art accessibility features to accommodate people with a disability.
“The £9million quoted is the estimated cost of the entire improvement and extension of the Abbey Fields facilities which as well as the new family pool with direct access to an outside sun terrace will see the refurbishment of the existing indoor pool and the remodelling of all the public areas, with a new light and airy entrance and reception, larger better equipped changing rooms with family-friendly facilities and a multi-purpose studio for parties, meetings and other activities.
“The venue will also have a brand new café which will be open to both park users and pool customers.”
There are also plans to revamp the town’s Castle Farm Recreation Centre with a six court sports hall, 80 station gym and two fitness studios.
Depending on final designs the cost for both projects could be up to £24million.
