The Assistant Director for Leisure, Libraries and Customer Engagement, Andy McCartan, introduced this report which providedinformation andoptions regardingthe reinstatementof the Leisure Pool provision at the Europa Pools facility in Birkenhead for the 2021 schoolSummer holiday period. The Leisure Pool facility had been closed since March 2020 as a consequence of theCovid-19 pandemic and closure of the fun pool had been considered as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan. The Committee had asked to keep the option to reopen for Summer based on the release of restrictions on 21 June but that has been pushed back by a month. A mezzanine floor had been fitted which allowed for dry events to take place, and the lane swimming pool was open as activity could be controlled and so it did not represent a health risk.

In answer to Members questions it was clarified that there was a cost involved in refilling the pool and staffing.

The Director of Public Health, Julie Webster, informed Members that the North West region was the epicentre of ‘delta variant’ cases with a 59% increase in the previous week, in a younger age group including children. She advised not to open for the numbers of customers needed to make it viable.

Members expressed concerns at children having missed out socially during the pandemic and there was demand if it were reopened. If it were not reopened there could be events such as inflatables at the Guinea Gap swimming pool. Members were also aware that if restrictions were removed on 19 July a full reopening could take place although they noted that the local situation may still carry risk of the virus spreading.

Councillor Allan Brame proposed reopening subject to no further restrictions imposed by the Govt. This was seconded by Councillor Christine Spriggs.

Resolved (6:5)- That

(1)  the informationand optionspresented inthe ‘Europa Pools – options for 2021 provision of leisure fun pool’ report be noted; and

(2)  the Director of Neighbourhood Services be instructed to undertake and facilitate thenecessary steps for the reopening of the Leisure Pool for the 2021 school Summer holiday period19/07/21 –05/09/21 (inclusive) subject to there being no covid restrictions imposed by the Government during that period.