Is the Rock Pool in Newcastle about to have the plug finally pulled, or will the people of Newcastle rise up and form a body to take it over from the new council and manage it as a not-for profit charity?
Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin) speaking following the launch of the campaign to Save the Rock Pool in Newcastle from closure Cllr Clarke said: “I spoke in opposition to the proposal to consider the closure of the Rock pool at the last rates workshop meetings in Down District Council, and I outlined the benefits of the Rock pool to local people and tourists alike. Also I explained the local historical importance of the Rock Pool.
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Cooling off in the Rock Poll in Newcastle during the fine weather.[/caption]
“I left the Council officers in no doubt the anger they would face from the Newcastle community. I would like to praise Garth Craig, a Ballynahinch DUP Councillor, who spoke in support of the Rock Pool. As a person who is from the harbour area, I understand how valuable this community asset is to the people.
“On the 80th anniversary, I brought a notice of motion to Down District Council, requesting the Council to organise an event with the Friends of the Rock pool which would recognise the contribution it had made to the heritage of Newcastle Harbour area, since being opened to the public in June 1933.
Cllr Clarke added: “At the rates workshop, I highlighted the success of the previous couple of years, where there was record attendances, which I witnessed first-hand when I was at the facility with my family.
“When discussing any rates issue it is important to evaluate the relevant financial documentation along with the attendance figures I requested this information to be made available to the next rates workshop. I articulated the need to expand the remit of the Friends of the Rock pool into a not for profit management group representative of the whole community, to be set up to work in partnership with the Council, to guarantee the historic pools future and the sustainability of this community facility.
“Two years ago Councillor O Boyle (SDLP) and I urged the setting up such a community-not-for-profit group, but this unfortunately never materialised. I urge all the people who are signing the petition to support the setting up of such a body, to draw down funding, sponsorship and allow all persons connect with Newcastle near and far to donate through share offers.
“This model would allow us to expand the opening hours into the evening and facilitate the hosting of events at the pool which will generate more income. The Rock Pool provides a valuable resource for people to enjoy swimming in a sea water environment with added safety. It also trains many young people in lifesaving skills and has to be protected.
“The new Newry Mourne and Down District Council need to agree an arrangement with a local group. There will need to be a process of support and the group will need to have the capacity to take over the management of the facility. This will not happen by chance. This is a council facility at Newcastle’s historic quarter, which is badly managed and is not marketed. It seems to me that Council’s objective in the past is to ensure less people use the pool on a yearly basis, which in turn makes it easier to close the facility. A similar tactic that is often used to close Schools, Hospitals, Post offices, Banks, Libraries and other community facilities.
“This is another example of neglect at the Newcastle Harbour area. This area has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair and has not been a priority with Down District Council. As we move forward into the new council structures, I will be looking at funding options for the Friends of the Rock Pool and I will be meeting with the group to prepare a partnership approach with Newry Mourne and Down Council, similar to the model used to manage the Castlewellan Community Centre.”
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