'I used to work at Ponds Forge and I'm saddened by the closure'

I am now retired, but having worked at Ponds Forge for SIV and for other outside agencies at the venue over the years it came as a great shock to me.

I knew there were financial difficulties before Covid struck and obviously this has had a massive affect on the present situation, but I am still shocked by the news.

The loss to Sheffield will be immense.

All the swimming competitions, diving, indoor bowling, Sheffield Sharks basketball, all the British athletes and swimmers who train there plus all the private functions such as wedding receptions, conferences, exhibitions etc etc. The list is endless.

Then there are the thousands of people of Sheffield who used the fantastic facilities for their own use such as the gyms, leisure pools, lane swimming and more.

There are those people of this city that have always been anti-Ponds Forge because of the association with the World Student Games in the early nineties but surely nobody can deny how much the place has brought to the economy of our city.

All the cafes, restaurants, bars, shops etc in the city centre will now be massively affected.

Athletes and students from all over the world have been coming here over the years to participate at this wonderful centre but alas it seems that this could be no more.

The cost to this city will be in the millions of pounds, something I fear we can’t allow to happen.

Towns and cities such as Leeds, Hull and Manchester will surely benefit from our demise.

We can’t let this happen.

Then there is the awful fact that many people will lose their jobs. Some of these people I have worked with and my heart goes out to them.

I am now retired and I can have no influence on what happens, but I urge all the business people of Sheffield, Sheffield Council and anyone who really cares about this great place, please do something before it’s too late.

Rod Sockett

Sheffield Lane Top S5