Public Sessions Organised to ‘Keep Derby Swimming’

Extra public swimming sessions are being held at two Derby pools next week to encourage young people and their families to keep visiting once Moorways Pool shuts next month.
Lonsdale Pool in Mickleover and Gayton Pool in Littleover will be organising extra daytime sessions during half term next week which are usually taken by school swimming groups during term time.

Lonsdale Pool on Bishop Lonsdale Way in Varsity Grange will be open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am and then Tuesday 10am to 11.30am.  Gayton Pool, next to Gayton Junior School in Littleover, is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Wednesday 2pm to 3.30pm and closed on Thursday. Sessions cost £2.90 for adults and £1.90 for aged 16 and under.  All children must be accompanied by an adult and swimmers must wear a hat (which are available to buy at the pools).

Pool Manager Lynda Mangnall explained: “We have been inundated by members of the public who have asked for details about our opening times since the announcement has been made about Moorways closing. “In term time, we are practically full during weekdays with school swimming sessions, group swimming lessons and clubs but we are able to organise extra public swimming sessions during school holidays. “Everyone is welcome and I hope that people will take this opportunity to see the other swimming facilities are available to them in the city.”

Lonsdale Pool is run by local charity Lonsdale Sports & Swimming Trust who also manage Gayton Pool on behalf of Derby City Council. The Trust is currently in discussions of owners of potential sites in the West of Derby to find 1.5 acres of land to build a new £4 million pool to replace the ageing Lonsdale Pool.

Outline plans for the new pool include an eight-lane 25m length pool, a 200-seat viewing area and potentially a second training pool.  The Trust is also planning to include a gym, fitness studio, café and potentially crèche/nursery facilities.

For more information about Gayton Pool, visit http://gaytonpool.org.uk and http://www.lsst.org.uk for information about Lonsdale Pool.