West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin urged Tenbury people to support their local swimming pool as plans are developed to improve its facilities.

The MP met with Tenbury Community Pool director, Adrian Taylor and Freedom Leisure pool and gym manager, Tom Mansfield, to talk about the pool’s impressive plans to carry out improvements including fully accessible changing rooms, a studio, a larger gym and a new reception area.

Tenbury’s 25 metre pool was opened in 1971 funded by local people. Local schools now use the facility, a popular swim school that introduces young people to all aspects of swimming as well local users who recognise the importance of a healthy active lifestyle.

It is now operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the Tenbury Community Pool charity, supported by Malvern Hills District Council.

Harriett said: “Swimming is a great way to get fit and stay fit and Tenbury people are lucky to have such a fabulous resource on their doorstep.

“I’ve been briefed on the plans to improve areas like changing rooms which will make a huge difference and allow the pool to be used more.

“These days, pools aren’t constructed as deep as Tenbury’s pool so while that is good for those learning scuba diving, it means that there are extra safety concerns and therefore extra management costs.

“I’ve agreed to help the team help to find extra sources of money to secure funding for some of the much-needed improvements and hope that many more people will be able to take advantage of this great local facility.”

Tenbury Community Pool’s Adrian Taylor added: “This is a very exciting time for the community of Tenbury Wells and its surrounding parishes. We are close to achieving our funding target and now need the support of the local people and businesses for the final push to enable us to achieve our dream of providing Tenbury with a Leisure Centre for the next 50 years”.

Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP is shown the Tenbury Community Pool’s improvement plans with (left) Adrian Taylor and (right) Tom Mansfield.