Trinity Leisure Centre in Carlisle has been a vital part of our community for years, serving as a cherished hub for people of all ages. For many local residents, it is not just a place to swim but a sanctuary for healthy living, social interaction, and community engagement. However, the recent decision to close the public swimming facilities at Trinity Leisure Centre threatens to dismantle this essential service, impacting countless individuals who depend on it.

Swimming is more than just a recreational activity; it is a life skill. It offers numerous health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to reducing stress. According to Swim England, regular swimming can lower the risk of chronic illnesses, improve mood, and increase life expectancy. Trinity Leisure Centre has provided an accessible environment for these benefits, nurturing both mental and physical well-being for residents, some of whom might not have other opportunities to engage in similar physical activities.

For children, swimming environments like Trinity offer a safe space to learn, reduce risks of drowning, and help instill a lifelong habit of exercise. For older adults and those with disabilities, swimming provides a low-impact exercise option that remains critical for maintaining mobility and health.

The closure of public swimming facilities also means a loss of social cohesion. Trinity Leisure Centre is a place where friendships blossom, communities thrive, and where we come together to support one another. It is an invaluable resource for combating social isolation, especially in a time where such connections are more important than ever.

We are calling on GLL/Better and Cumberland Council to:

Keep regular public and social swimming sessions at Trinity Leisure Centre.

Maintain evening and weekend sessions where possible, so that people who work, study or have family commitments can continue to access the pool.

Properly consult with pool users before making any permanent changes to public swimming provision.

Publish the evidence behind the proposed changes, including relevant pool usage figures, financial information and the reasons for reducing or removing public swimming.

Explore alternative timetables, scheduling options or shared pool arrangements before removing valuable public access to swimming.

Public swimming is an important community service. Decisions affecting access should be made transparently, with the views of the people who use and depend on the pool properly considered.