Old pool hands over baton

FOREST Heath's residents will soon be saying goodbye to a swimming pool that has served them well for 72 years.
Newmarket Swimming Pool, which is still attracting over 75,000 swimmers annually despite its age, will close its doors on 12 December as the new leisure complex prepares to open and pool staff transfer to the new facility.
Leader of Forest Heath District Council, Cllr Geoffrey Jaggard, said: "The pool has served the town well but has been showing its age in recent years. The swimming pools in the Newmarket Leisure Centre are built for the 21^st century and are a magnificent facility."
The current Newmarket Leisure Centre will close on 7 December to allow time for the staff to be fully trained to operate the new facility. They will also be testing all the equipment and systems in the new centre to ensure they are working effectively and efficiently to allow for a smooth public opening.
All customers have been forewarned of the closure and arrangements put in place to enable Active Card holders, who pay monthly, to have their direct debit payments suspended and to access any other facilities free of charge, whilst annual payers will have their expiry date extended. On 19 December a lucky 100 customers will be welcomed by Richard Balfe, Chairman of Anglia Community Leisure, to view the impressive facilities at the new leisure centre. Dates for further previews over the Christmas/New Year period will be announced soon.
On 3 January the Newmarket Rotary and swimming clubs will host a charity Swimalong, the inaugural event at the new pool. Full public programme details, opening dates and times will be announced shortly.
Cllr Jaggard said: “It has been a frustratingly long time coming, but I'm sure when residents visit the Newmarket Leisure Centre they will appreciate just what a superb place it is."
Richard Balfe, chairman of Anglia Community Leisure, says: “We’re now down to the last leg of our work towards opening and the finishing touches are being put in place. All the staff are excited that the project is nearing completion and we’re looking forward to a January opening when we will welcome customers to this fantastic new facility for Forest Heath.”