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Have your say on future leisure provision in Keswick

Andrew Gilbert

Andrew Gilbert

Posted on 19 November 2021

Keswick residents and business owners are being encouraged to have their say on the future of leisure provision in the town.  

The consultation is being run by Strategic Leisure on behalf of Allerdale Borough Council. Its aim is to ensure the needs of local residents is considered in the planning and development of any future leisure facilities in Keswick. The council is particularly keen to hear from all members of the community – young and old – to get a complete picture of their needs. 

Strategic Leisure has been asked to develop an appraisal of the types of leisure facilities local people would like, as well as carry out an assessment of the situation around the current supply and demand. They will also review the current guidance and priorities of the major sporting bodies, as well as the content of relevant local strategies.  

Those wishing to have their say are encouraged to use the online form . It should take no more than five or ten minutes to complete.  

People can also attend one of the face-to-face at one of their open drop in sessions: these are: 

  • Wednesday 24th November 6pm-8pm at Keswick Rugby Football Club, an open drop-in session for Keswick residents 
  • Thursday 25th November – 9am – 1pm Market Square, Keswick Town Centre, an open drop-in session for Keswick residents

Strategic Leisure will also be contacting key stakeholders. This will include meetings with local schools, key businesses and organisations in the area.  

The deadline for responses is 3 December 2021. 

Council Leader, Cllr Mike Johnson, said: “When we made the difficult decision to close the pool in Keswick, we always said we would consult with the local population to assess the current situation and find out what sorts of sporting facilities they would like to see. This consultation is making good on that promise and commitment to the people of Keswick. We want to hear the views from as many people as possible, so please do take the time to have your say.” 

The consultation has been launched after Allerdale Borough Council permanently closed the pool in the town after it was shown the costs associated with reopening the aged-pool, which had been closed for many months due to Covid-19 restrictions, would make it financially unviable. The gym remains open in the leisure facility situated close to the town’s Fitz Park.