Report on future of city pools delayed (From thisisoxfordshire)

Report on future of city pools delayed

7:26pm Wednesday 7th July 2010

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A DECISION on the future of Temple Cowley Pools has been delayed due to an eleventh hour question mark over ‘cost and affordability’.

A feasibility study into redevelopment options was due to be released by Oxford City Council this week ahead of a final decision on Monday.

But the report has been delayed for further work to be carried out.

A statement from the council read: “In the context of the challenging financial circumstances that we find ourselves in it is vital that cost and affordability issues are clear.

“Only then can officers properly advise councillors on the affordability and risks of the options and place this in the overall context of the council’s capital programme and budget.”

The study will detail two options – rebuilding the pool on its current site or selling it and building a new complex at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

A campaign to refurbish the current facility presented a 7,000 signature petition to the council last week.

Campaigner Nigel Gibson said: “We questioned the figures all the time and in the current financial climate there is even more pressure to save money. We maintain an eco-refurbishment is the most viable option.”

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