Western Swimming Pool Board's 'extreme dissatisfaction' with government 'conduct'

Unhappy with how 32-page report on regional pools was released

The Western Swimming Pool board has written a letter to government expressing its 'extreme dissatisfaction' in how a report on swimming pools was released.

In December a 32-page report by UK consultants stated regional swimming pool boards have been left to their own devices without audit trails, and there is a need for a 'more radical approach' to how the pools are managed.

It also advised that the Southern Swimming Pool is in a 'downward spiral' and should be taken into government control or it could become insolvent by the end of the current financial year. 

Regarding the Western Pool the report highlights it is the best performing of the sites while the Northern Pool is 'comfortable'.

The report has been published ahead of it going to this month's sitting of Tynwald - you can find out more HERE.

However in the letter the chairman of the Western Pool Board highlights dissatisfaction in government's 'conduct' relating to the releasing of the information.

Fiona Moore says the board only learnt of the findings, and subsequent government statements, via local media and would have preferred a copy of the report before it was released.

She claims the board still hasn't received one despite the time it spent helping the consultants. 

The board says it's proceeding on the basis that government will take the swimming pool under its direct control and the board will then 'act accordingly'. 

It also advises that a request for an increased parishioners rate contribution has been retracted. 

The board finishes by saying it believes government showed a 'lack of respect' towards it and following the 'utter contempt' it will be discussing what further steps can now be taken.  

Manx Radio has invited government to respond to the letter.