A POPULAR Redditch swimming club which faced closure following Council cutbacks has now secured its future in the town.
The Bridge Swimming Club at Kingsley Sport Centre has been running for more than 40 years and has taught hundreds of children vital lifesaving skills.
However, in January 2017 the club revealed it was facing closure due to council cutbacks sparked by a huge CUT in government grant, which meant the authority was forced to give up its share of the venue.
The lack of a pool and the prospect of closure left both coaches and swimmers devastated but now, after negotiations between leaders of The Bridge Swimming Club and members of Redditch borough council, the club has been saved.
A spokesperson for The Bridge Club said: “Many communications between club leader Ken Poyner and Dave Wheeler, of Redditch and Bromsgrove Leisure Department, have taken place and we have accepted the offer to use the Abbey Swimming Pool on Saturday afternoons starting in September.
“We would like to thank the Council for their superb effort in trying to accommodate the club and the support they have given us.”
The group will be able to use the pool on Saturdays in term time from 4pm to 5pm and the majority of the volunteers and members’ parents have agreed to the changes.
John Godwin, head of leisure and cultural services at Redditch council said: “We’re delighted to have been able to work together with the club to find a sustainable solution that’s in everyone’s best interests.
“We’re looking forward to seeing them go from strength to strength at the Abbey Stadium.”
The club will continue to meet at The Kingsley Pool between 6pm and 7pm until the changes come into place.
Midlands Sports Personality winner David Finney set up the swimming club, formerly the Redditch Boys and Girls Brigade Swimming Club, more than 40 years ago with Tom Ryder.
