Councillors back New Earswick swimming pool campaign

Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool have launched an urgent fundraising appeal to raise £250,000 to replace failing boilers, fix a leaking roof and update changing rooms.

Local Lib Dem councillors, who supported the campaign to keep the pool open in 2017, are urging residents to back the fundraising campaign to save this much-loved community asset.

The fundraising campaign aims to replace 3 boilers, as one of the 3 boilers that heats the pool and building has failed and is irreparable. The other two are very old and it’s a race against time to get the funding before they fail too – if that happens, the pool will have to close immediately.  Funds are also needed to replace the leaking roof and outdated changing rooms. 

The pool opened in 1966 by the Rowntree Trust with the support of local community, notably children being asked to donate 'Half a Crown' and the villagers joining a 'Buy a Brick' scheme. As part of the Garden Village scheme, it was built to enhance the health and well being of the local community. ​

FoNESP took over the running of the Pool in January 2019. It is now hired out the pool to a range of swimming schools and clubs, including the local primary school, parent and toddler, scuba diving and swimming schools.

To donate to the appeal go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/save-new-earswick-pool or send a cheque, payable to "Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool" to FoNESP c/o 3 Meadowfields Drive, York YO31 9HW

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Carol Runciman commented: 

“The pool is a valued community facility that is at the heart of our local area and is used by people from around the city. In over 55 years since it was built, thousands of children have learnt to swim there, learning a life saving skill and making lifelong friends and memories.

“Back in 2017, when Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust announced that it was planning to close the swimming pool, the community came together to keep the pool open. I hope that once again we will all be able to chip in to save our pool. As local councillors, we will do all we can to support the campaign and the Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool group. If you can, please do support the campaign and donate.”