Wilton Pool to reopen for children with additional needs
Tuesday, April 29 2008
Scottish Borders Council’s Education Executive today (Tuesday 29 April) approved the re-opening of Wilton Pool for use as a therapy pool for children with additional needs.
The pool was closed in September 2007 after concerns were raised by the Council’s Health & Safety team.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Bhatia Executive Member for Education said, “All members of the Executive supported the pool’s re-opening as we recognise what a difference it makes to the quality of lives for children with additional needs. But we have an absolute duty to safeguard the lives of children and staff using the pool and therefore the pool cannot re-open until all health & safety concerns are addressed.”
Council officials are now in discussion with Borders Sports and Leisure Trust about their taking over the management of the pool. Councillor Bhatia added “When I visited the pool back in February it was very clear that the headteacher could not continue to be responsible for the pool’s operation. Mr Topping’s priorities are quite rightly the education of his pupils and management and support of the school. We need professional pool operators to take this over as this would provide sustainability in the long term.”
“There is however, an important note of caution. The current budget for the pool is just over £60,000 a year and the Executive has accepted the recommendation that if the pool cannot operate within the existing budget then we may have to re-examine the options.”
Unified Solutions.