West Lancashire Council Navigates Pool Closure Controversy Amid Political Defections

Councillors successfully withstood a no-confidence vote initiated by opponents who objected to the potential closure of two swimming pools and the future provision of other recreational amenities. Nevertheless, three Labour councillors from West Lancashire have declared themselves independents, citing “anger” regarding the prospective shutdown of Park Pool in Ormskirk and Nye Bevan Swimming Pool in Skelmersdale. During a full council debate, one individual asserted that any closures implemented without the construction of replacement facilities would constitute a “betrayal of both towns”. Concurrently, demonstrators, including members of the Ormskirk Otters swimming club, assembled outside the venue earlier this week as the meeting proceeded. Council leader Yvonne Gagen and Carl Coughlan, who holds responsibility for leisure services, were specifically named in a “no confidence” motion put forward by the Our West Lancashire (OWL) group, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The OWL motion was narrowly defeated, with 23 votes against and 21 in favour. Neil Furey, Paul Hogan, and Kerry Lloyd, all former Labour councillors, confirmed their departure from the Labour party to become independents due to the proposals to close the pools, and their support for the no-confidence motion. Furey stated that, despite 16 years as a Labour councillor, he “could not possibly support such plans”. He further commented: “This would be the ultimate betrayal of Ormskirk and Skelmersdale. “People are up in arms, including teaching staff and governors. There must be alternatives.” Lloyd explained her resignation of the Labour whip was “in response to an ill-thought through approach to consultation and engagement with the public about the financial decisions the council has to make” – among which was the closure of the pools. Hogan indicated that while the swimming pool closures were the primary catalyst for all three leaving the party, each individual also possessed additional, distinct reasons influencing their decisions. The motion arose amidst ongoing debate concerning the future of the pools, a recent public consultation conducted by West Lancashire Council, and in anticipation of a new budget scheduled for next year. One proposal involves closing the two existing pools before any replacements are constructed, as a measure to save costs. The council is seeking new design concepts after two previous blueprints were deemed unaffordable, with development costs having escalated by £17m. Options for above-ground steel pools are being considered as potentially more economical. No final decision has been reached at this time. West Lancashire Council was approached for comment. The council had previously affirmed its dedication to investing in its leisure facilities, having approved £3m in funding for the refurbishment of the Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub, which is slated to open to the public early next year. It also stated that the authority is progressing with plans to construct two new “state-of-the-art” leisure facilities within the borough. To date, a petition opposing the closure of the two swimming pools has garnered more than 6,000 signatures.