Users of Medina Swimming Pool may be aware that as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Island Games, the flume slide is being removed next month.
Many may not realise that there is no intention for the slide to be returned to the pool following the games.
The subject was brought up during public question time at Monday’s Newport Parish Council meeting, where disappointment of the flume’s removal was aired.
Decommissioned 9th May
Details of the sale of the flume slide are now available online, where it states that the slide will be decommissioned between 9th and 13th May 2011.
Given the concern of many users of the pool, we got in touch with the council to find out more.
Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member responsible for leisure, said: “We are investing approximately £2.3 million in Medina Leisure Centre to bring it up to a modern standard and reduce running costs enabling us to offer increased, improved and affordable leisure activities for everyone.
“The slide was not a part of the original pool building and was added some years after the pool opened primarily as a way of generating income, however the facility is relatively little used and actually costs the council around £1.40 each time it is used.
Not considered good use of money
He went on to say, “In the current economic climate it is not considered a good use of money to continue to subsidise this equipment particularly as it is ancillary to the main use of the pool. Therefore it will not be put back into use following its removal to allow the Island Games swimming events to take place at Medina.
“Although we have no plans to replace the slide, following the refurbishment we plan to introduce a wider programme of junior activities both in the pool and in the gym and sports hall. The council continues to provide for free children’s swimming during school holidays which we see as most important to retain to encourage children to swim and live healthy lives.”
For further information on the slide or to arrange a viewing please contact [email protected] tel: (01983) 523767
