Last updated at 15:01, Friday, 13 November 2009

I write in regard to the proposed new pool at the Sands Centre in conjunction with the University of Cumbria.

How the Sands Centre could look

My first concern is about the planning meeting that took place on October 16 2009.

It was with sadness that it was stated that no outside representations were made.

How can this claim be made, if no interested parties knew about the meeting to make any representation.

How about the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) or swim northwest, Cumbria ASA. Local clubs like ourselves, Carlisle water polo, Carlisle masters swimming and the triathlon club? I’m sure all of the above have an interest in any proposal for a new pool in Carlisle.

This new pool must serve the community of Carlisle for the next 40 to 50 years and we have a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

The new pool therefore must be planned and built with great care and precision.

The proposed new build area is to have two pools. One 25m, eight-lane pool and a smaller, learner pool. This design would give no flexibility in use.

A much better solution would be to build a 50m competitive pool with a moveable boom.

This would allow long and short course competitions to be run. Also flexible public sessions and swim lessons along with some outside clubs could run in the same space at the same time.

Swimming club training would also be flexible, allowing different ages and squads to train in the same space with greater time efficiency.

A large, 50m pool would also generate interest from swimmers, as well as clubs which would pay for their swimmers to train in a first-class pool. This could include national and area squads.

The opportunity to provide a diving pool is also being missed.

For any swimmer or diver in Carlisle, a 200-mile round-trip is currently needed to either swim in a 50m pool or to dive.

A 50m pool would also allow top-class swimming galas to be staged. This would bring into Carlisle hundreds of competitors, supporters and parents, all spending money in the local economy.

The current plans for spectator seating is to include 150 seats. This is below the recommended number for the current proposed pool which the ASA recommends should have 250 seats.

The pool on James Street, currently has only around 120 seats and a standing balcony. This balcony was filled completely and all seats taken at this year’s sprint league, diddy league and age group relays.

I would estimate a minimum of 300 adults watched on those occasions. Clearly we need the ASA-recommended 250 seats.

The number of swimmers easily matches the number of spectators at county-level events.

All the competitors need to be accommodated on the pool-side with their equipment, coaches and team management.

An overcrowded, hot pool-side degrades performance and detracts from what should be an enjoyable experience.

The pool-side also needs an area for call-up before individual events and room for movement for, swimmers, coaches, time-keepers and judges in safety.

I therefore would ask that any pool has the maximum width of pool-side available under ASA recommendations.

I would like to thank all those involved in planning this new pool.

Please consult with those who will pay for regular use of the pool for many years, this includes the current clubs who have many years of experience pool-side.

This new build has the potential to be a first-class asset to the university, Carlisle, Cumbria and surrounding area.

Please let’s get it right.

DOUGLAS MULLINS
Member of City of Carlisle Swim Club

First published at 14:21, Friday, 13 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk