1.Introduction and Background

1.1 Hendy Outdoor Pool is currently closed as a result of structural damage to the pool basin.

1.2 The Pool was built in the 1920's by the people of Hendy and is hugely valued by the local community.

1.3 It is one of two such pools in Carmarthenshire, the other being at Brynamman - there are very few outdoor pools now operational across the country.

1.4 Both Hendy and Brynamman Pool where the subject of strategic reviews back in March 2001, and a decision was taken by the Ratification Committee to close both pools. As a result of strong local opposition, it was agreed that both pools could remain open on the basis of reduced funding (in the form of a £7k pa grant), and devolved management responsibility.

1.5 Both Pools were since re-opened for the 6 week school holiday periods (subject to good weather), and were operated on a partnership basis with the County Council. It should be stated that with each year, the authority has taken a more 'hands on' operational role at the request of both committees, on the basis that the voluntary committees didn't feel comfortable in running such facilities with their associated risks and inherent requirements of suitable technical knowledge.

1.6.1 Use of Hendy Pool averaged around 1,000-2,000 users p.a. for the past few years it was open.

1.6.2 There were many repeat visits particularly by children and young people.

1.7 The Pool wasn't an easy facility to manage, and has had many problems with vandalism and trespassing (out of opening hours) - it is a potentially `high risk' facility in this regard.

2. Financial Issues

2.1 Both Hendy and Brynamman Pools have a `grant' budget of £7k set aside for each.

2.2 As a result of Hendy Pool's closure in 2002, a Structural Engineer was commissioned to assess the condition of the pool's structure and to recommend a course of remedial work, if repairs were feasible.

2.2 The Structural Engineer's report (Roger Casey Associates, April 2003) advised that the pool basin structure was in a particularly poor condition and although it could be repaired, there would be no guarantee that it would not fail again at any point in time. The final paragraph of the Engineer's report reads

2.4 The estimated cost of repair (from CCC's consultancy division) at the time of the engineer's report was in the region of £80-100k.

3. Future Considerations

3.1 As a result of the enforced closure, and taking account of the estimated cost of repair (as well as the further risk of repeated failure), the County Council met with the Pool Committee and the local people of Hendy to discuss alternative options for use of the `grant' money i.e. if the pool was going to be closed permanently, could this money be used as seed funding for the other purposes within the Hendy ward?

3.2 These options included plans to use the £7k `grant' as seed funding for a development plan for Hendy Park (with the aim of pulling in further funding). Plans detailing this option have also been presented at a Public Meeting in Hendy.

3.3 However, at the most recent public meeting in Hendy (December 2004), there was a very strong feeling from the floor that the community didn't want to consider `alternative options', and that strongest representations would be made to the authority for the re-opening of the pool.

3.4 To support these strong representations, numerous letters have been received from the locality. These have included correspondence from the Assembly Member for Mid & West Wales; Local Council Members; Pool Committee Members; and local school children and parents.

3.5 The decision to repair and re-open, or close the pool, hinges on the need to secure a significant amount of capital funding to repair the Pool. This is a decision, which requires political steer from members, and should be considered with the following factors in mind.

3.6 Officers of the Leisure Department have agreed to meet with the Pool Committee and Local Members to relay the decision of the authority to them as soon as practically possible.

4. Recommendations

4.1 For Members to decide on whether to find money to pay for the re-opening of Hendy Pool, or consider its future use in partnership with the local community and continue with discussions for the development of Hendy Park.