Madam Mayor I wish to draw to the attention of all Councillors that there is a possibility that Purley Pool may never reopen after being closed in March due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Other Croydon pools have reopened but not Purley Pool - why is this?
Purley Pool is a, structurally sound, very popular recreation facility for the South of the Borough – much needed and much loved.
This petition tonight is all about listening to our residents. Thousands have signed petitions and protested at this Labour Council’s plans to shut down our precious pool. The elderly and vulnerable use it for much-needed recreation, hundreds of school children go there and learn to swim – so necessary for their safety - and many others use it regularly to keep fit and healthy.
At a time when it is more vital than ever before to keep fit the notion of shutting down a much loved, much used pool is a disgrace.
Why does the health and happiness of people in Purley matter less than that of people in Waddon or New Addington or other leisure centres that are being kept open? Closing Purley Pool is not only against the wishes of local people but it’s against our duty to protect and care for the services our residents rely on.
The reality is that Labour has bankrupted Croydon Council. It’s in over £1.5 billion of debt. That’s £15,000 borrowed every hour since Labour took over the Town Hall in 2014. As a result they are proposing shutting libraries, closing down recycling centres, sacking street cleaners and social workers – and closing down Purley Pool.
Tonight in your speeches you have the opportunity to let the people of Croydon know what your priorities are. Will you shut down the pool and sell it off to pernicious, hovering developers? Or will Labour councillors work with the Conservatives and the community to save Purley pool and ensure it remains open?
Thank you.
