Issue - meetings

A)     Executive approved an allocation of £105,000 from the Executive Priority Reserve to support the reopening of Ward Freeman Swimming Pool in Buntingford.

The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability presented the report and highlighted that subsequent to the report being published a non-executive Member had proposed the following additions to the recommendation:

(1) prior to the release of any Council funds a detailed viability breakdown be provided to all councillors representing all residents across the District; and

(2) if the project fails to progress to the successful opening of the pool any funds released shall be returned to the Council. 

The report sought approval to allocate £105,000 from the Executive Priority Reserve to support essential repairs to enable the reopening of Ward Freeman Swimming Pool in Buntingford, following a funding request from the Ward Freeman Community Group.

It was noted that the proposed allocation represented the minimum required to progress works, with further funding for the air handling unit to be considered separately in the future. The initial investment aimed to support reopening by October 2026.

The Executive Member for Planning and Growth proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Wellbeing seconded the proposal.

Executive Members expressed strong support for the proposal, noting the importance of the pool as a valued community facility and welcomed the relatively modest investment to support its reopening.

Gratitude was expressed to Councillor Hopewell, officers and the community group for their significant efforts in progressing the project, including securing the transfer of the site and developing a phased approach to works and future funding.

Concern was raised regarding the proposed amendments to the recommendation. It was acknowledged that there had been a collective effort from Members, officers and the community pool group, whose work had enabled progress to this stage, following the withdrawal of funding from the previous administration. It was highlighted that the group had access to fundraising routes, grants and support not available to councils.

Members highlighted the importance of the pool for Buntingford, particularly given its growth and limited facilities. It was noted that the scheme would support the town’s sustainability and wellbeing.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOVLED – that a) Executive approved an allocation of £105,000 from the Executive Priority Reserve to support the reopening of Ward Freeman Swimming Pool in Buntingford.