As a follow-up to our report from April 22nd which detailed the pool accessibility difficulties even World Record Holder Adam Peaty (GBR) faces in his home city of Derby, a previously closed facility will now be opening to offer pool space to the two-time World Champion.
Queen’s Leisure Center in Derby announced just weeks ago that its gala and training pools would join its family pool in being officially closed due to roofing issues. The City Council’s decision meant Peaty would have to forego his twice-weekly training sessions at the facility and instead travel to Repton or Loughborough.
However, Derby’s Moorways pool, a site which has been closed since March 31st, will now be opening back up temporarily to host swimming lessons and lane space again while the City Council implements repairs to the Queen’s Leisure Center. The council had closed Moorways to save cash as it looked to save £45 million over three years in the face of cuts to its grants from the Government. (Derby Telegraph)
As of now, elite club Derventio eXcel has been able to use Moorways, provided the club brings its own staff and lifeguards. However, the Derby City Council confirms it has also made arrangements for other performance clubs, such as Peaty’s City of Derby Swimming Club, to begin using the pool this weekend.
A council spokeswoman said, “They will have access for their swimmers and their coaches only”, with additional swimming groups and clubs being extended opportunities by the 2nd week of May.
The council member stated, “Opening to clubs is only currently possible because the environment can be controlled and because club members and coaches can be trained on the health and safety issues.”