Budget 2022-23: Europa Fun Pool

We asked

On 28 February 2022, Budget Council agreed a balanced budget for the 2022/23 financial year. The budget was based on assumptions that some services within the Council would stop in order to generate savings and allow for the balanced budget to be achievable. This included the closure of the Fun (Leisure) Pool at Europa Pools and the development of a fitness facility. A public consultation was opened on the Councils Have Your Say platform between 31 January and 27 March 2022.

You said

The questionnaire had 240 responses. Of those responses, 74% said they, or somebody they cared for were regular users of Wirral Council swimming pools, and 28% said they were members of the Invigor8 scheme. The overall results show a lack of agreement with the saving, with an average disagree response over 4 questions of 75%.

For more information about the consultation and to view the consultation report click here.

We did

The outcome of the consultation, together with proposed savings, was reported to the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure committee on Thursday, 16 June 2022. The committee considered all public feedback and made recommendations. They approved the permanent closure of the leisure pool at Europa Pools, with alternative provision and pool-based activities for children and young people within the main competition pool (and other sites where permissible). In addition, the alternative fitness offer within the space previously occupied by the leisure pool at Europa Pools was retained.