Conservative councillors in Tettenhall are celebrating as Tettenhall Pool finally opens this week, after the council previously threatened to close it for good.
The pool is due to open today (1st August), meaning that children and families can use it throughout the summer holidays.
The essential repairs to the pool were delayed whilst Labour-run Wolverhampton Council decided on whether to close it completely and build a play area. A public consultation attracted thousands of responses, with the overwhelming majority demanding that the pool be kept open for many years to come.
The delay has meant that the pool was not able to open as it usually does every year on the Spring Bank Holiday. Funding for the repairs has come from money from a nearby residential development, as well the council’s own funds.
Tettenhall Regis Conservative councillor Udey Singh said: “We are delighted to see the pool finally opening so that children and families from across the city can come and enjoy it. There was a real danger that this day would never come, because Labour councillors wanted to close the pool forever.
“Thanks to the fantastic community spirit in Tettenhall, residents have successfully fought to get the pool repaired. As the parent of a young child myself, I know just how important this asset is to the community.”
Tettenhall Wightwick councillor Jane Stevenson added: “We have been waiting for weeks for the pool to open, and I’m so pleased that it’s finally happening. Tettenhall councillors never doubted the community’s strength of feeling in seeing the pool preserved. It’s a shame that the Council decided to delay the essential repairs, meaning people missed out on using the pool during the recent heatwave.
“I hope that Labour councillors have learnt their lesson and the future of the pool is never put into question again!”