HARLOW: New home for swimming club

4:25pm Wednesday 3rd October 2007

The temporary closure of Harlow Town Pool has had a profound impact on Harlow Penguins Swimming Club which has had swimmers representing Harlow and competing at county and regional levels for more than 50 years.

A spokesman said: "Without access to a 25m pool, Harlow Penguins has been forced to restructure and consider its future as a competitive club."

The club has now moved to a new home, Burnt Mill School, which has a 20m, four-lane pool.

And as a result the club is launching a recruitment drive for young and learn-to-swim children and concentrating on offering swimming lessons to people who have been left without a facility in the town.

The Penguins will continue to enter ASA registered competitions, and pay for its coach.

Harlow Council has said the closure could last at least another month.

Specialists have been called in to investigate faults with the electrical system, hot water system, ceiling struts, windows and Disability Discrimination Act compliance.

A council spokesman said: "Once we have the full report we will have a clearer idea regarding re-opening."

A Penguins spokesman added: "It's a terrible blow for competitive swimming in Harlow. Right now the future of the pool is in the hands of the politicians who are trying to sort this mess out. Everyone's worst fear is that we may be left without a pool until 2009, when the new leisure centre is complete.

"In the meantime, young swimmers and learners who would like to join the Penguins at Burnt Mill School are welcome to come along to our recruitment evening at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 17."