Southern Swimming Pool board 'emergency planning' due to potential funding cut

A promise was made for funding until 2030 but this has been reduced to next year

The Southern Swimming Pool board says assurances from the chief minister have been 'undermined' by an updated report from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Chair Laurence Vaughan-Williams says, in April, they were told a pool will be built but new documents say there is a 'firm commitment' to creating a design - which he claims is not the same. 

Mr Vaughan-William's letter to the DESC also says it has started 'emergency planning' after a promise was made of funding until 2030 which has now been reduced until next year with an option to extend until 2026. 

He also says the department has not asked the board or management of the pool for input into the design.

The updated report into the affordability of Regional Pools being part of Regional Sports Hubs will be in Tynwald next week.

Manx Radio has contacted the Department for Education, Sport and Culture for comment.