Thousands of Sheffielders back campaign to save Ponds Forge
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Divers, swimmers and water polo players, including those from Sheffield's two universities, launched a campaign last week asking Sheffield Council and MPs to help find £360,000 to enable them to use the facilities between October and April.
Sheffield City Trust and the council last month decided to keep it closed, saying they could not afford the £1.5 million needed to reopen it for the public.
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Hide AdA ‘best case scenario’ date for reopening was estimated to be April 2021 but clubs said they cannot survive until then, adding if the proposals are not given a green light it would have a devastating impact on hundreds of athletes - some who are training for the Olympics next year.
Tom Owens, head coach at City of Sheffield Diving Club, said: “We are delighted with the support we have had. To some degree it’s a little overwhelming, I feel very reassured and humbled by the amount of support from the people of Sheffield to our members, the media, councillors and MPs around the city. It’s been great.”
Mr Owens urged anyone wanting to support the campaign to send their local MP, council leader Julie Dore or Lisa Firth, director for culture, parks and leisure at the council, a letter or email urging them to support the plans.
He said people can also get involved by following Save Ponds Forge on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Hide AdLast month, the council said it would provide up to £15m this financial year to help SCT reopen most of its facilities, except Ponds Forge, which is £10m more than budgeted for.
Since receiving the club’s plans, councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at the council, said: “We need some time to review the proposal, which was received this week. We are looking at how we can support the reinstatement of facilities at Ponds Forge and will consider the proposal as part of that work.
“These are complex financial and operational decisions, and we will liaise directly with the aquatics clubs in response to this matter.”