Protest over closure of two swimming pools

A protest has been held over plans to shut two swimming pools at a leisure centre in East Sussex.

About 50 people attended the demonstration on Monday night over the closure of two of the three pools at the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne, protester Sarah Turner said.

"We had a lot of kids who were so enthusiastic about it because they are so passionate about the centre," she said.

Eastbourne Borough Council said the decision had been made due to spiralling costs.

It said the centre, built in 1977, had seen its running costs, most notably staffing, heating and chemicals, increase significantly.

In November, the council voted to close the pools in an attempt to save money.

The decision was referred to the scrutiny committee, with other options put forward at a meeting on Monday night. However, the Fun Pool at the facility has already closed.

Ms Turner said she felt the "devastating" decision had already been made without public consideration.

"The support to keep the Sovereign Centre is very, very strong within the community. But I don't feel like we're being heard enough," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

"It feels like the decision has been pushed ahead without actually communicating it and giving anyone a chance to look for real alternatives."

Meanwhile, Jan Bruce, a physiotherapist who uses the pools for aqua physio sessions, said there was nowhere else in Eastbourne she would be able to do her work.

"I see up to 24 patients a week. Where are these patients going to get that extra help now?" she said.

Council leader Stephen Holt said the closures were "very difficult decisions".

"Without making significant savings, the council would be at risk of being unable to set a balanced budget and the potential complete closure of all discretionary services, including the entire Sovereign Centre, as a result of central government inaction," he said.

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