THE Water Place closed its doors in November 2002. Long-standing customers dependent on sporting activities and healthy exercise from swimming sessions were promised a replacement venue within 12 months.
Why hasn't this happened?
Different venues have been mentioned and considered in the Bolton Evening News as recently as April 2004. In light of recent news, Bolton Council and Serco can be congratulated with the speed and enthusiasm in which they have completed the first stage of a "multi million pound redevelopment".
Has this included a replacement for the Water Place pool? Evidently not.
Stage one was when the Farnworth Leisure Centre was revamped, and stage two was during the current month when Horwich Leisure Centre was proposed to be re-launched. It remains to be seen what the following stages involve, but I hope sincerely the Jubilee Centre isn't the site targeted.
Bolton needs a town centre venue which will allow easy access from all parts of the town. It will, as did the Water Place, attract visitors from adjacent towns who will then also take advantage of local shopping facilities. There can be no doubt that a town centre swimming pool is an essential attraction for Bolton.
Ian Upton
Thomas More Close
Bolton
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