Further delays for Alderney swimming pool

Friday 10 May 2019

Structural faults have been identified in Alderney's partially-built community swimming pool.

Construction of the 25 metre pool and gym at St Anne's School has been beset by difficulties since work began in 2014.

A learner-pool for the island's children was demolished to make way for the new facility, which has been championed by Olympic gold medalist swimmer Duncan Goodhew.

However, after problems with foundations, leadership, revision of business plans and the project finally running out of funds in 2017, children have now been without a pool for five years. There are no other public swimming pools in Alderney so the students' only option is to learn to swim in the sea - weather and temperature permitting.

Although the building housing the facilities has been constructed, it still lacks the pool itself, heating and filtration systems at an estimated cost of £250,000.

After Swim Alderney Trustees approached the States of Alderney for financial help, the States carried out a £30,000 independent survey of the building and the group's projections. Engineers identified structural problems reportedly connected to the building's concrete.

Pictured: The building built for Alderney's community swimming pool.

Trustees must now work with contractors to resolve the problem before the States consider giving funds to finish the project.

"This is not a States project," said chairman of the island's Policy and Finance Committee James Dent. "It is now up to the Trustees to find a way forward. The States of Alderney must seek approval from the States of Guernsey for spends of £250,000 and we need to prove it will be spent efficiently."

The Alderney community and its overseas supporters reached a fundraising target of £250,000 in January 2013 through the sale of personalised tiles, an auction of local art and sponsored events. The project was estimated to cost £500,000.

David Wedd, who has worked to get a pool and gym facility built for many years, added: "We have been dogged with delays and frustrations and we may have to call a public meeting to clear the air. But we are determined to clear this final hurdle and provide the island with what it wants - a public swimming pool."