CEO reveals energy cost crisis facing Swimming Pools

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They have been axed due to staffing problems, rising energy costs and shortages of key chemicals like chlorine.

Greg Whyte, an ex-Olympian and board member at leisure trade body UKactive, called it a “health and welfare disaster”.

The former British pentathlete claimed even more pools are at risk this year.

Swim England has predicted 2,000 public and private pools could be lost by the end of 2030.

In the three years to last March one council in six had lost a pool, adding up to at least 60.

The BBC, using the Freedom of Information Act, also found the West Midlands and Scotland hit hardest, losing eight each.

UK pool star Adam Peaty, who is backing a Daily Express campaign to Save Our Swimming Pools, called the losses “unacceptable”, branding it a “back hand” to athletes who train hard for major tournaments.

Former British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies calls the loss of pools “a really big issue”.

She said it is “the Government’s job to say “We need to have these leisure facilities within a reasonable distance of a conurbation or major city.”

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, at the Local Government Association, said: “Councils are working incredibly hard to prevent centres from closing.”

The Department of Culture, Sport and Media said “an unprecedented” £1billion had been given to protect sport and leisure.

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