Deal to save pool "on verge of being reached"

A BUSINESSMAN in discussions about re-opening the borough's axed premier training swimming pool is “90 per cent certain” a deal will be struck to save it next week.

Active Leisure Management (ALM) is in talks with Waltham Forest College and campaigners Friends of the Pool (FOTP) about re-opening the facility at the college's Forest Road site.

ALM believes it can keep costs down by opening the pool for six to eight hours a week and charging groups including FOTP and Walthamstow Tritons to use it.

Miles Parker, FOTP chairman, said he was confident a deal would be reached.

Mr Allan will meet Robin Jones, the principal of Waltham Forest College, next Thursday at which it is hoped a deal will be reached.

The pool was due to close two years ago but a council-brokered, part- subsidised deal with Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) gave it a reprieve.

But the deal expired in September and closed as GLL was not prepared to fund it any longer.

Peter Glasgow, Waltham Forest College vice-principal has said the college wants the pool to be retained but cannot divert cash from teaching.

FOTP members say the pool is unique in the borough in offering unrestricted lane swimming.

Council leader Chris Robbins has ruled out any further subsidy from the taxpayer.