A LOCAL MP has welcomed the official plans to bring a swimming pool back to Whitchurch.

Residents in the town have been without a pool since March 2020, which prompted a local campaign that was backed by North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan.

She had previously urged Shropshire Council to allocate the savings from the pool closure into providing transport to nearby Wem or Market Drayton facilities.

However, earlier this month the unitary authority unveiled its official plans to create a new £13.1 million six-lane pool, café, fitness studio and relevant changing areas.

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Mrs Morgan said: "It’s great to see plans progressing for a new pool in Whitchurch.

“Getting a facility back to town is long overdue, with what could end up as a four or five-year gap in provision for residents.

“North Shropshire often feels like it is at the bottom of the list when it comes to investment, so these plans are very welcome and residents are very excited by them.”

The proposed new pool and fitness centre will be constructed on the same site as the old pool and youth centre.

 

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While the development progresses, the MP hopes that Shropshire Council will take action to support children and young people in the area to learn to swim by funding transport to pool facilities in neighbouring towns.

Meanwhile, the public can comment on the plans by visiting the council's planning portal  before August 11.

A decision on the proposal is expected by mid-October.