Further financial support for Richmond Swimming Pool
Richmondshire District Council is throwing Richmond Swimming Pool a financial lifeline after bosses warned of spiralling energy bills.
The pool is leased to Richmondshire Leisure Trust by the District Council – the charity was set up in 2005 to provide leisure, recreational and sport activities. But the Council makes annual revenue grants of £313,000 to the Trust to support the operation of the pool.
Members of the authority’s Corporate Board last night (15 November 2022) agreed to provide up to another £75,000 in support. They will fund £25,000 per month for each month that the pool is open between January and March next year.
Councillors were told that the cost of energy bills is going to cause considerable strain on the leisure trust’s finances. The Trust has already told Colburn Town Council that it is handing back Colburn Leisure Centre to them due to increasing energy costs.
“This facility is vital to Richmond and the surrounding dales and it is important that we continue to support it as much as we can,” said Council Leader, Councillor Angie Dale.
“We are investing almost £2 million to bring it up to date, adding energy efficient measures like solar panels and air source heat pumps which we hope will bring energy costs down.”
The pool is currently closed as it undergoes a £1.9 million revamp by the local authority. Members last night also agreed to pay compensation to the Trust of up to £85,000 as a result of the loss of income.
Members also asked that the Council’s Scrutiny Committee colleagues look at the work of the leisure trust.