Pembrokeshire County Council is moving forward with the next phase of assessing both Tenby and Pembroke swimming pools to determine the works required to make the facilities sustainable.

Recently, county councillor Rhys Jordan made a fresh call to look at the longevity of Tenby’s pool situated at the Pembrokeshire Council run leisure centre, after stating that its ‘close to failing’ condition, showed that it was nearing the end of its operational life.

Last month, a small working group convened and local county councillors received an update regarding Tenby Swimming Pool.

Tenby’s county councillor for the south ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It was a positive meeting and we heard the news that I was expecting and hoping for.

“PCC’s Cabinet have agreed to undertake the final part of surveying the building condition. Subject to that survey they propose to invest £3.5M into repairs and refurbishment that will extend the life of the pool by at least 10 years.

“I have always said that this is just the first part and that as soon as that work is done, we need to begin to plan for the long term to, at the very least, build a new pool.

“This is an important step forward to protecting our pool and I know that fellow councillors and I will keep pushing to ensure that this vital facility is here in Tenby for the next generation.”

Cllr Jordan stated following the meeting: “As anticipated, the pool is showing considerable signs of age. It has been agreed to commission detailed invasive surveys to understand the full extent of the facility’s condition before any final decision or master plan is agreed.

“The current projection to maintain the pool for just another decade is £3.5 million. At this stage, no decision has been made, and personally, I would find it difficult to support such a substantial investment for a relatively short-term solution.

“In my view, the sensible approach would be to identify a location that centrally serves South-East Pembrokeshire and ensures our leisure services are protected for the next 50 years.

“My concern is that without forward planning, there may come a day when the pool suddenly becomes unusable, leaving us without a backup plan.

“Rest assured, I will continue to fight for our local leisure facilities, recognising their immense importance to our communities.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, PCC’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, explained: “Pembrokeshire County Council is moving forward with the next phase of assessing both Tenby and Pembroke swimming pools to determine the works required to make the pools sustainable for the medium term future.

“The two facilities are now over 50 years of age and initial assessments have identified areas that will require addressing.

“Once these full assessments are complete, recommendations will be discussed and agreed by Cabinet and this work will contribute to the Council’s long-term Leisure Services Capital Plan which is currently in development.

“I want to reiterate that this administration is committed to seeing high quality leisure facilities, including pools, maintained across the county.”