CONTROVERSIAL plans to close Runcorn Swimming Pool have been put on hold following pressure from the public, ward councillors and the borough’s MP.

The World reported recently how the council was planning to close the baths on Bridge Street in an effort to save money, saying it was ‘unsustainable’ and had to be heavily subsidised due to not being widely used.

But the plans prompted a fierce backlash, with residents, ward councillors and Halton MP Derek Twigg all urging the council to think again.

The plans were due to be backed by the council’s ruling Executive Board at Runcorn Town Hall yesterday (Thursday) with a view to being rubber-stamped by Full Council on March 2.

But council leader Mike Wharton said that after receiving ‘lots of emails’ and speaking to ward councillors, the plans would be shelved for six months while efforts were made to find someone to take over  the running of the baths.

Speaking at the meeting, which was attended by around a dozen objectors in the public gallery and Cllrs Norman and Carol Plumpton Walsh, council deputy leader Dave Thompson said the pool had been a ‘victim’ of people choosing to swim elsewhere at Brookvale and Beechwood.

He said: “I think at this stage, rather than closing the pool in March, we need to press pause until at least September to explore options to keep the pool alive.”

He added: “I think there’s an opportunity to look out there and see is there a partner, such as a community interest company or community sports based charitable trust who might be interested in partnering and working with us.”

His comments were met by applause from  the public gallery and Cllrs Thompson and Paul Nolan (Leisure, Community and Culture) agreed to form a task group to look at bringing a third party onboard.

Council leader Mike Wharton told the meeting: “In the light of having lots of emails and our ward councillors wanting to keep the pool open, I recommend the following motion.

“The proposal to close Runcorn baths will be put on hold for no longer than six months to allow time to see if an alternative delivery model can be identified, by giving the opportunity for a third party to come forward with a costed and sustainable business plan to take over the running of the baths.”

The board voted in favour of the new motion.

Cllr Wharton added that the money which would have been saved by closing the pool will be met from  the council’s reserves in order to balance the budget.