They roared their support as mayor Andi Rivett pledged to fight tooth and nail to keep the swimming pool open. Almost 300 people from across Rother screaming “Save our pool” and venting their anger at Rother District Council (RDC) for merely shrugging their shoulders when Freedom Leisure (FL) declared they were closing Rye swimming pool with just two weeks' notice.
This public meeting in the leisure centre car park last Saturday morning had been hastily convened by Mayor Rivett and Cllr Rebekah Gilbert to launch a campaign against the closure. Amidst the frantic beating of Ryebellion war drums our mayor raged against the decision by Ivan Horsfall Turner, chief executive of Freedom Leisure, to close the pool within weeks and without any prior consultation with either the public or RDC.
Eschewing the aid of a loud hailer, his impassioned voice carried across the leisure centre car park to all; "We are not in a very good place. It took us over 25 years to get our pool – now they want to take it away in three weeks! We will fight to keep it! We need our pool. Our town. Our pool. We will fight this."
In a rare display of political unity, Sally-Ann Hart, Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye was joined by Helena Dollimore, the Labour parliamentary candidate. United in support of their constituents on this issue, they stood arm in arm (see top photo) with the mayor and Cllr Genette Stevens, the only RDC representative to be seen actively supporting this campaign.
Sally-Ann Hart had been in a meeting with Ivan 'The Terrible' Horsfall Turner earlier in the week but had failed to convince him of the need to reverse his decision. She added: "I have highlighted the issue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and drawn attention for immediate action. And I will continue to do so as any changes in office take place."
Closure of the pool will have a huge impact on individuals, families, and schools who all use this facility not just for leisure, but for health and well-being issues. A regular pool user, Sheila Goldsmith from Rye, highlighted this vital aspect of the issue; "Without swimming, I have to take up to 19 painkillers a day" she said. "It’s just not practicable for me to use Bexhill. I need a full-time carer and I have to use my mobility scooter for travel. This pool is a lifeline for me. Closing it will be like cutting off my legs."
Freedom Leisure has a contract with RDC to supply leisure services to Rye Sports Centre until March 31, 2026. The decision by FL to close the Rye pool "temporarily" until March 2023 to offset operating costs incurred by increasing energy prices is seen by many as a smokescreen. There will be no intention of re-opening next spring if this closure is allowed to happen.
Cllr Rebekah Gilbert concluded the meeting by telling supporters; "It’s about community. And the strength and commitment of the people here today is just fantastic."
In just 60 minutes over £300 was raised by cash donations from the crowd to keep the pool open, a further £5,000 was donated from an anonymous supporter, and bank details were available for anyone wanting to pay by BACS.
As Cllr Gilbert said; "It's about solutions. Not closure."
And it’s now up to Rother District Council to get their act together and find a solution.
