A copy of my letter to Coun Gary Taylor:
Would you please explain to me the current operation at the Castle Swimming Pool and the reasoning behind the continued 45-minute bookable time slots and enforced 15-minute breaks.
We have been told on a number of occasions the breaks are:
a) because of COVID
b) because of the cleaning regime
c) because of staffing levels
My issue is that currently the gym allows unlimited numbers without booking of time slots. The pool however is limited on numbers and only 45-minute slots are allowed per hour with 15-minute breaks.
During these time slots of 45-minutes Spalding Competitive Swimming Club continues to use the venue for their full allotted time as does Aqua Aerobics. If the slots are due to COVID are they immune in some way?
The staffing level remains exactly the same at all times (therefore it cannot be an issue regarding staffing levels, as exactly the same number of life saving staff are poolside at each given time).
Finally it cannot be a cleaning issue as there is very little evidence of cleaning in these breaks (and why would you clean when the changing rooms are at their busiest with people present changing during changeover?)
Also the seating for the sauna has been removed (therefore meaning there is no level of privacy poolside for those cooling down from the sauna), unless you want us to sweat on the side of the pool in full view as has been suggested by staff?
Please could you explain the reasoning as regards the above as it seems to fly in the face of current restrictions and completely opposite to what is happening across the road at the gym.
On another note I do not wish to be banished to the changing rooms for 15 minutes until my next booked session, it is highly awkward with others changing around you and embarrassing for all involved.
It is fairly clear that the operation is being run on a ‘suits you’ basis rather than the experience for the customer in line with current guidelines.
Gary, you told me when we stood together at the last local election that Spalding would have brand new sports facilities by the next local elections.
Yes, we have had a pandemic and I appreciate that, but these facilities are way, way past their best… perhaps you could tell me your plans for the future?
James Le Sage
Member of Castle Sports
