‘I want to shame the council’ – swimming group chairman hits out as former Ilford pool demolished
Demolition is due to be completed in October - Credit: Archant
The chairman of a swimming group has said he wanted to “shame” the council for the lack of swimming facilities in the borough.
John Sharrock, chairman of Redbridge Swimmers, said this had resulted in the decline of the swimming ability of children in the borough.
Ilford Baths, High Road, was closed in September 2008 because of fears over the safety of the building. It is now being torn down to make way for a primary school.
Speaking at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting in Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, Mr Sharrock said the closure “has had many ramifications, not least of which was that instead of receiving the recommended 24 hours swimming tuition, our primary school children got only approximately five hours.”
This has meant the borough coming fifth worst nationally.
A demonstration is being held to mark the anniversary of the pool shutting on September 28 at the building at 3pm. All are welcome.
• Do you think one swimming pool is enough in the borough? Email zjan.shirinian@archant.co.uk with your thoughts.
