LIB DEMS FIND FUNDS FOR EAST BRISTOL POOL

BRISTOL City Council’s ruling Liberal Democrats are set to make good their pledge to build a new swimming pool in east Bristol.
The council’s Lib Dem leader and budget supremo, Barbara Janke, has ensured funds are earmarked to kickstart the Speedwell project next year (2011-12).
The money is included in the council’s new Medium-Term Financial Plan, just published.
The document outlines spending plans for the next three years and builds in assumptions about government cuts whichever party is in power nationally after the general election.
“We have been given very little guidance about the likely size of cutbacks. But we have made realistic assumptions and expect at this stage that we will have enough money to build the pool, at the Brunel Academy,” said Councillor Janke.
A six-lane pool, a learner pool and ancillary facilities would be added to an already popular sports and health amenity at the Academy.
Bristol East prospective Parliamentary candidate Mike Popham (Lib Dem) said: “East Bristol has no swimming pools at present and this one is badly needed. Sadly, the old pool in Speedwell had to be closed a few years ago because it was too rundown to be kept open.
“Lib Dems made a new pool here one of our Six-to-Fix commitments in last year’s local elections and I’m delighted we’re finding the money for this project.”