Barton Pool to host club gala behind closed doors

Gloucester City Swimming Club is returning to its home at the Barton Pool for training and competitions.

The city council announced the move as part of the phased reopening of leisure services in Gloucester after the collapse of the Aspire Trust last month.

The Gloucester City Swimming Club has been based at the site since 1910 and coaches over 100 young people and children.

The club’s swimmers will return to training on weekday evenings from October 16 and will compete in a gala event over the weekend of October 20 to 22.

The gala event will be run behind closed doors without spectators, competitors and officials only but will be live-streamed for people to watch.

Lib Dem leader Councillor Jeremy Hilton said: “It’s good news that the Barton Pool is to reopen for the young members of Gloucester City Swimming Club to carry on their training sessions and that the swimming gala will now take place.

“It’s a pity that the gala will be held behind closed doors without spectators. The council must install new seating in the public gallery as promised. They have told me it should be this month.

“However, the council needs to move swiftly to reopen the pools for ordinary swimming lessons, school usage and public access. The cabinet member has promised me this will happen by January 1.

“He needs to also commission the refurbishment and upgrade of the showers and changing facilities.”