Ribble Valley Council is considering a major investment in local facilities
Clitheroe: Ribble Valley Council is looking to invest a hefty sum in local amenities. They’re thinking about putting millions into Ribblesdale Swimming Pool, Clitheroe Castle, and new sports pitches in Longridge. The goal is to speed up spending over the next two years, especially with potential changes coming from Westminster.
The Community Services Committee has already agreed to cut the timeline for spending around £6.7 million on these projects from five years down to just two. Other committees will join in the discussions, aiming for a decision by spring.
This push comes as Westminster is considering restructuring local councils. Some of these ideas were floated during previous Conservative governments, while the new Labour government has added its own plans. Recently, they released a White Paper on English Devolution, which could lead to new councils and mayors, but nothing is set in stone yet.
This week, the committee discussed earmarking funds: about £2 million for the swimming pool, £1 million for Clitheroe Castle, and £1.2 million for the sports pitches. They also want to allocate money for parks and play areas.
Committee chairman, Conservative Coun Stuart Hirst, emphasized that this isn’t a political issue. He believes it’s about making the best use of Ribble Valley’s resources. They want to be more ambitious and get things moving faster. Now, they’re waiting to hear what other councillors think.
While the costs are still estimates, Coun Hirst stressed the importance of starting now. If they don’t, these projects might not happen. Other committees will weigh in, and eventually, everything will go to the full council for approval.
Labour Coun Michael Graveston welcomed the ambitious plans but raised concerns about the feasibility of refurbishing the swimming pool and whether they could realistically spend £6 million in two years. He pointed out that only £1 million was spent in the current year’s capital program, and he’s curious about the origins of the sports pitch proposal.
Adam Allen, the council’s community services director, acknowledged that achievability is key. They need to figure out how to get the work done on time. Some projects might be handled in-house, while others could go out to tender. They’ve done studies on the need for more artificial pitches, especially in Longridge, and are in talks with local football clubs.
As for the swimming pool, Allen mentioned it’s a bigger project. They estimate it could cost around £1 million just to get the plans moving, and it might take one to two years before any actual work starts. They’re considering various options, including refurbishment, but that could mean some downtime for the pool.
Coun Hirst expressed a desire for a larger leisure center, potentially a £20 million project, but he’s cautious about falling short and ending up with nothing. He wants to ensure they’re making the most of their resources.
Other councillors chimed in, stressing the importance of the pool for families and the community. They don’t want to see it close, especially when other councils are facing similar challenges.
After the meeting, Coun Hirst noted that more proposals for capital programs would likely come from other committees soon. He reassured everyone that Ribble Valley is still in a strong financial position, with no debt and the lowest council tax in the county.
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