Council Set Future Budget

Last night’s meeting of Fylde Borough Council saw a budget set for the next three years, designed to provide greater long-term stability to the Council’s financial position.

Provision was made within the budget to keep open Kirkham pool – which had been under threat of closure. A series of budget measures will give this rural facility a one year opportunity to show that it has a long term future.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Roger Small, said: “We are pleased to be able to continue to provide a place for our young people to swim in the Borough – as a head teacher I recognise that a local, community facility where schoolchildren can continue to benefit from swimming lessons is important to residents.”

Money to fund the retention of Kirkham pool will come from a number of additional budget savings and projected income.

Cllr Simon Renwick, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, said in his address to the Council: “I believe Kirkham Baths has a chance for a  future.  A good future. It has served Kirkham and Rural Fylde for nearly 100 years and hopefully it will now do so for more generations. However, we have to find a way where funding is more secure and to this end I will be calling together all interested parties to discuss the future of swimming in rural Fylde.”

The Council’s budget recommendations will also see a range of economy measures including the closure of Kirkham One Stop Shop and St Annes Swimming Pool.

Council Tax, which is currently the second lowest In Lancashire, will rise by 4.99%.

Last Edited: 17/03/2008