Residents in a Swansea valley town say they are still feeling the effects of the closure of their local swimming pool after “significant structural weaknesses” discovered at the site meant it was no longer safe to use. The pool in Pontardawe was first closed in November 2022 after issues were found with a void around the training pool and columns under spectator seating along with the deterioration of structural concrete in the walls.
It was later re-opened in January 2023 after temporary repair work estimated to be worth around £141,000 was carried out. It was noted at the time that this would only last for a maximum of two years leading to the permanent closure of the site in August 2024.
The closure and demolition of the well-used building later led to a public outcry in the town, with an online petition being started by residents calling on Neath Port Talbot Council to secure a new swimming pool gaining more than 2,000 signatures. While the authority has agreed to set aside around £30,000 for a feasibility study for the creation of a new pool, which is expected to be completed by next spring, it is anticipated that the cost of such a project could eventually be around £12m with no identified sources of funding currently available.
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The former Pontardawe Swimming Pool -Credit:Google Maps
Resident Paul Rees lives in Pontardawe and said he felt the closure would now create a barrier for people in the town who wanted to swim – particularly the younger generation and those who rely on public transport. He said: “It’s really sad and it’s affecting a significant group of people who would normally use it. I’m thinking about the early-morning swimmers and mothers and toddlers who would use the fantastic kids’ pool that was there. That facility is gone now and the thought of taking that group of users over to Neath on mass is just a non-starter.”
Jill Lord, town councillor, said she also felt the closure of the facility was a massive loss for the town. She said: “We feel this is such a sad loss for the community in Pontardawe and it is one that will affect people of all ages from the young ones to the elderly and I hate to think of people being deprived. Health will be impacted in all sorts of ways now it is gone as people have to go to Neath which is not very convenient – especially if they rely on buses or for parents who have a lot to juggle in order to take their kids there.”
One such parent is Martyn Goss who has children in the swimming club that previously ran from the Pontardawe pool. Now based in Neath leisure centre he said the closure has led a number of difficulties for him and others.
He said: “It’s been hard because there is already a swimming club in Neath so we have to take the times that are available to us. A lot of the time we’re getting there at half past eight in the evenings which is late for young children, especially by the time they get back home and get to bed.
“It’s not ideal really and parents are complaining with some having left already. A lot of people in the town are sad about this and there were a lot of people who used the pool to go for swims that don’t drive and I know they were concerned about where they would go.”
Speaking over the recent closure a Neath Port Talbot Council spokesman said: “Pontardawe Swimming Pool had to close on grounds of public safety. Building experts Arup identified significant structural weaknesses within the 50-year-old pool’s concrete structure in 2022 and advised the building had a maximum two-year lifespan even with the substantial propping works that took place at the time.
“However in January 2024 further deterioration of the reinforced concrete was noted so to ensure public safety the council’s cabinet approved closure at the end of August 2024. A feasibility study examining potential external funding sources and suitable locations for a replacement pool is currently in its procurement phase and it is hoped there will be an outcome from the study by next spring.
“Substantial efforts were made to find alternative arrangements for Pontardawe Swimming Pool users. For instance the opening hours of Neath Leisure Centre (NLC) have been extended to maximise access to the pool and other facilities. Also the swimming lesson programme at NLC has been expanded to accommodate increased usage. The majority of schools using Pontardawe Swimming Pool have moved to the NLC. All staff have been relocated to other venues.” For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here.