School pool is a luxury '“ and now faces axe

A consultation document about the future of the outdoor facility has been circulated among the parents of the school's 362 children.

It has also been sent to the parents of pupils at the nearby infant school whose six-year-old pupils have traditionally swum in the pool weekly.

Junior school staff and the school council members have also been asked for their views.

An open evening is being held at the Raleigh Road school at 7pm on Monday, March 17 to discuss the pool.

The document's questionnaires have to be returned to the junior school's board of governors by March 20. They are likely to make the final decision a week later.

Headteacher Linda Slinger said: 'I am sad about this situation.

'The pool is a luxury we would love to maintain. It adds an extra element to the school and it gives us a real buzz.

'The staff have, at times, enjoyed swimming in the pool after school as well.

'But it is a luxury which it is looking like we can't continue to afford any more.'

Rose Green Junior's pool is the only one of its kind around the Bognor urban area.

The outdoor 22m long pool, about a metre deep, was opened in 1973 in the rear of the school grounds and runs parallel to the hall.

It was funded by subscription from parents and the local community and cost around 2,500.

The pool, which has a slightly-raised edge but is otherwise sunk into the ground, has deteriorated over the years and is costing an increasing amount to maintain.

The existing pool liner is beyond repair and needs replacing at an estimated cost of between 10,000 to 15,000.

New sand filters are also required '“ at 500 each '“ and a five-way valve will need attention.

Mrs Slinger said the cost had to be met from the school's annual 27,000 maintenance budget.

'Everyone wants to maintain the pool because it is such a benefit to the school but we have to look at the facts,' said Mrs Slinger.

Four options for the pool's future have been given in the consultation document. They are:

n buy and install a new liner and hope it meets European health-and-safety rules likely to be on their way in three years;

n Rebuild the pool with a cover, changing facilities and toilets at a cost of some 250,000;

n Provide swimming lessons at The Arena's pool for around 2 a child for each session; and

n Provide swimming lessons at The Arena and seek extra activities such as a climbing wall and dance studio.

The school's pool has been used for up to seven weeks at the end of the summer term. Last year, it was in action for just three weeks, because of the number of repairs needed, said Mrs Slinger.

It cost 42 from the school budget for each child to have two 25-minute sessions a week in the pool. Parents paid a further 5.

Going to The Arena's 25m pool, off South Way, would cost 2 per pupil each week.

Mrs Slinger added the need to ensure trained supervision at the school's pool ruled out opening for community use during the summer holiday to bring in extra cash.

The national curriculum states every child has to be able to swim 25m by the age of 11. Bognor's coastal location means most are able to do so before they enter the school.