Almost 3,000 people have signed a petition against the proposed closure of a swimming pool. The petition, which was started on September 12, is fighting Eastbourne Borough Council’s decision to close the Sovereign Centre fun pool and diving pool. The proposal comes amid the cash-strapped council’s plans to make cuts.
It has warned that the costs of homelessness and temporary accommodation placements are causing an “unprecedented strain on council finances” and that despite including more than £3 million of savings in the 2024/2025 budget, additional savings of more than £2.7 million are needed. A soft play centre, climbing wall or extra gym capacity have been suggested as options to take the pool’s place.
The plans are in the consultation period and will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on November 13. The petition argues that the pool is “the only affordable swimming facility” for children of all ages and “vital for practising and cementing any swimming skills". It reads: “As a seaside town we should take water safety incredibly seriously and not reduce the opportunities for people of all ages to practise this life-saving skill.
“There are already numerous soft play offerings across the town, including Treasure Island just down the road, but there are no other facilities likened to the fun pool in the area. “This town is already potentially being stripped of so much that many of the tourists we rely on so heavily may stop coming. This will have a det.
