APPENDIX 29
Memorandum submitted by Councillor Jim
Battle
THE SPORT OF SWIMMING
I am writing in connection with the public evidence
session to be held on the 4 December and I would be grateful if
the following information could be considered.
Miles Platting Swimming Baths which is situated
in the Central Ward of Manchester had faced closure. However I
have been working with local people and with Tony Lloyd, Member
of Parliament for Manchester Central, to look at how a swimming
baths like this, which does need refurbishment, can be developed
into a holistic facility which will meet the needs of local people.
Central Manchester has some of the highest levels
of heart disease in the country. Swimming has been proved to be
one of the most effective forms of exercise to fight heart disease.
The local pool is accessible. It allows local people of all ages
from school children to the elderly to meet together and participate
in a form of exercise which is not expensive, does not require
specific equipment and is non competitive and therefore people
of all abilities can enjoy.
It is vital that this sort of facility be retained
and built upon. It is not about keeping the baths as it was in
the past. It is about developing the facility into a healthy living
centre which will allow people to look to take part in different
forms of exercise and relaxation. In an area to take many places
where people have historically come together to meet are closing
a facility like the Miles Platting pool is an opportunity to develop
its role into a much wider used community building.
28 November 2001
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