Save Robinson Pool and fitness

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This petition had 1,467 supporters

The Issue

Robinson pool and fitness is a local site donated by the Robinson family for the community. Over the years it has been a place for many families to make memories, learn to swim, meet friends and get fit.

Since Fusion have taken over the site may have improved visually but they have not respected the ethos of the gift to the community. Prices have increased regularly making many activities more costly than other private run facilities. The site has been run badly with short staff numbers and lack of customer care.

Whilst COVID-19 has affected many businesses,Fusion seem to have once again dealt with this badly the facility remains shut despite the government opening leisure facilities and actively encouraging looking after our health. They have taken a retaining fee from gym members and swimming lessons customers, yet have not communicated as to their plans on reopening they plan to make staff redundancies which can only lead to even  more problems at the site.

We the local community want to keep this facility open and in good order for use by all now and for the future, we therefore kindly request that Bedford Borough Council support the community and take the relevant action to save our site by taking control again!

avatar of the starter
Sarah BichenerPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Doug McMurdo
Doug McMurdo
Responded
“Dear Sarah & all other petitioners. Thank you for bringing this petition forward, and I sincerely regret you have had to do this. It is without doubt, we face unprecedented times, globally, and I regret Bedford Borough is no exception to this. As you know we work with Fusion Lifestyle to deliver our leisure services, in the Borough. There is no intention not reopening Robinson Pool, as you imply. You so rightly point out Sir David Robinson gifted the pool to the people of Bedford almost 51 years ago, in October 1969 - for which we must continue to be grateful. With regards to the re-opening of the facilities in our Borough, be assured it is on our agenda. I can share with you we have, with our partners, ensured the pools have been maintained to a standard so that the water can be heated and open for use at the earliest. Bedford Borough remains apprehensive to open our public buildings too quickly, and therefore it seems appropriate that our leisure facilities remain closed until such times as we and Public Health are satisfied the risk of the spread of virus, is limited. In addition Fusion Lifestyle must be confident and ensure the users and staff are at no risk, and appropriate preventative measures are put in place. We are working with our partner, Fusion Lifestyle, to find a way in reinstating, at least some of our provision. You will note from national media coverage, we are not unique in keeping facilities closed, through this pandemic, as we need to open any facility on a suitable and sustainable way. Doug McMurdo Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture Bedford Borough Council”

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Petition created on 3 August 2020