More than 60 members of the public attended a special meeting of Penrith Town Council tonight as the future of Penrith Swimming Club's learn-to-swim provision was discussed.
The meeting, held on Monday evening, had been called specifically to consider correspondence from Penrith Swimming Club asking the Town Council to provide a written statement of support for the club as it faces proposals affecting its swimming provision at Penrith Leisure Centre.
Members of the public and members of the swimming clubs board gave passionate speeches during the meeting, with people sharing their own experiences of Penrith Swimming Club and describing the importance the organisation has had for them, their children and the wider community.
Following the public contributions, councillors voted to provide a letter of support for the swimming club.
During the meeting, councillors also spoke about the club's long history in Penrith and its importance to the town.
Penrith Swimming Club dates back to 1881 and is this year marking 145 years of involvement in the local community. The club is entirely volunteer-run and says its introductory swimming provision is fundamental to the future of the wider organisation.
The dispute centres on proposals by GLL/Better which the club says would prevent it from continuing to teach children from beginners through to ASA Level 7 at Penrith Leisure Centre.
According to information submitted to the Town Council by the club, it was informed by GLL on 1 August that the change was initially proposed to take effect in September. Following an emergency meeting with GLL on 7 August, implementation was delayed until 1 January 2027 to allow the club time to make representations.
The club strongly disputes the reasons given for the proposed change and says its teaching programme is an important part of the pathway into competitive swimming.
It says children can progress from learning to swim through the club's own levels and eventually into competitive swimming, with the teaching and development programme also helping to financially support the wider club. The club says that losing the teaching programme could put the future of the entire organisation at risk.
The club has also highlighted its long involvement with Penrith Leisure Centre, including its claim that it raised around £40,000 in seed funding towards the development of the teaching pool in the early 1990s.
The organisation has been campaigning for support from elected representatives and the wider community, arguing that it should be allowed to continue providing its swimming pathway while working with GLL and Westmorland and Furness Council to establish a sustainable arrangement for the future. With a petition launched by the club just over a week ago having already gathered the support of 2000 signatures and the support of local businesses.
Tonight's meeting now gives the club the backing of Penrith Town Council, following a meeting which saw a significant public turnout and a series of personal and passionate contributions about what the swimming club means to people in Penrith.
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