Relief as Doncaster swimming pool to stay open

Rumours circulated in Edlington that its sports centre, which is run by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, would face the axe in the latest wave of budget cuts at Doncaster Council.

But a spokesman confirmed the pool was "safe" from closure in Doncaster Council's budget for the next financial year.

Diane Jeavons, secretary of Edlington Stingrays Amateur Swimming Club, said: "We are expecting it to close at some point to be honest - it's just a case of when.

"It wouldn't make any sense to close it because in Doncaster, they are trying to reduce obesity."

Mrs Jeavons said the club has around 120 members, ranging in age from five to 17, and it runs sessions at the Tait Avenue venue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"Edlington is a deprived area so it's very important for the kids to have something to do. A lot of our members are kids from the village and surrounding areas so if it was to close, then I'm not so sure they'd be able to get to other pools."

Edlington Town Council hope to take more control of decisions which affect the village after drawing up its own neighbourhood plan.

A referendum is due to be held on the plan this spring.