Congratulations to all of those involved in the Waterside Community Trust. It’s been a long journey for them since VB first heard that the council wanted to close the pool in Ryde, way back in November 2010. This in from Keith Gentleman from the Waterside Community Trust, after Isle of Wight councillors voted to accept the plan this evening – Ed.
Waterside Action Group spent the summer firming up a board of directors and morphing into a company called Waterside Community Trust (WCT), a ‘not for profit’ organisation.
Assets signed to WCT
In answer to Isle of Wight Council’s request for more information WCT submitted a robust and well-costed Business Plan in late July and, recognising the strength of the Bid when set against the costs of demolition of the facility, George Brown, the Deputy Leader of Isle of Wight Council, yesterday signed the asset over to WCT together with adjacent land, Waterside Cafe and the rights to operate boating on Ryde Canoe Lake on a 125 year lease.
Waterside Pool makes a substantial loss but is of course a precious amenity for Ryde and for the Island. Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council have both pledged a limited (but very welcome) amount of funding to offset some of the losses.
Making it pay its way
It is now up to WCT and the committed staff at the pool to make the facility eventually pay its way. We hope that the community that has been so supportive of our campaign will continue to use the pool and so guarantee its future. We have many plans.
Our thanks are due to officers of Isle of Wight Council who gave advice and the vital information necessary for WCT to formulate its plans. Also to Ryde Town Council for the support of its members and of course to the pool staff who have carried on in a very professional manner throughout what has been a long period of uncertainty over future employment at the pool after Isle of Wight Council first announced its closure ten months ago.
Handover day – 31st October 2011
The date for the formal handover is 31st October 2011.
