Penrith Swimming Club is calling on members, families, former swimmers and supporters to attend the extra ordinary public meeting of Penrith Town Council as the 145-year-old club continues its campaign to protect its future after the operators of the Westmorland and Furness owned Penrith Leisure Centre told the club it had to end its learn to swim sessions at the Penrith pool.
The meeting has been called by the Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Val Bowen, following correspondence from the club sent to the town council and local parish councils around Penrith asking for the support.
Penrith Town Council does not operate Penrith Leisure Centre, but the club hopes the Town Council will add the voice of Penrith to those calling on Westmorland and Furness Council and GLL/Better to find a solution.
The campaign has received an incredible response, with more than 1,000 people signing the club's petition, alongside support from councillors, businesses, sports clubs, organisations, former swimmers and families.
The dispute follows a proposal by GLL/Better to stop the introductory provision through which Penrith Swimming Club develops children towards club and competitive swimming.
PSC has also challenged information subsequently circulated by Westmorland and Furness Council to elected members and the press, which the club believes contained significant inaccuracies and did not properly represent its position.
The club wants to work constructively with both GLL and the Council, but remains firm that its established swimming pathway must continue.
Today, the volunteer-run club contributes more than £40,000 each year in facility hire at Penrith Leisure Centre and continues to develop swimmers from their first steps into club swimming through to competitive sport.
A club spokesperson said:
“Operators have changed. Councils have changed. Contracts have changed. Penrith Swimming Club has remained.
“More than 1,000 people have already stood with us. Now we are asking our members, families, former swimmers and supporters to come to Monday's meeting and make sure Penrith's voice is heard.
“We want a constructive solution, but we will stand firmly behind the future of a club that generations of volunteers have spent 145 years building.”
The club will be able to address the Council for five minutes, while members of the public can also speak subject to the meeting arrangements.
The town council meeting will take place on Monday 24th August 2026, 6:00pm at Unit 2, 19–24 Friargate, Penrith
If Penrith Swimming Club has made a difference to you or your family, the club is urging you to attend the meeting and stand with the club.
You can Sign the Penrith Swimming Club petition: https://goto.penrith.town/save-our-swimming-club-save-penrith-swimming-club-s-learn-to-swim-provision
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
