"If swimming pools cannot be sustained, do we have too many?" says Minister
Community swimming pools have long been shrouded in controversy.
In October of last year, Tynwald approved an increase to the gas tariff - a factor cited by swimming pool boards as the major contributor to an overall rise in operational costs.
When community swimming pool operators reached out to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture to increase their annual swimming pool subvention accordingly, they were told no further funding would be available for the coming financial year.
In a letter to the manager of the Western Swimming Pool, Minister Julie Edge advised the board to 'consider a consultation with its Local Authorities to increase rates'.
Each community swimming pool operates independently, but their reactions were similar.
Commissioner Juan McGuinness sits on the Northern Swimming Pool board:
Commissioner for Peel, Mike Wade, shared the Western board's reaction:
The south viewed the situation rather differently:
Minister Julie Edge's says, it's a matter of money management, and if swimming pools cannot be sustained, perhaps the question we should be asking, is do we have too many?
Disruption at Ronaldsway airport following incident with light aircraft
Hopes for better working relationship between government and hospitality sector
'A lot of work to do' on low income housing
Public servants killed in the line of duty eligible for new award
Multi-million pound Villiers development recommended for approval
Rosalind Ranson row draws to a close
