More than 23,000 sign open letter to Prime Minister over proposed pools closure

An open letter urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to change his mind and let swimming pools open during the second national lockdown has been signed by more than 23,000 people.

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has sent the letter to Number 10 ahead of the Government debate taking place tomorrow on the latest restrictions being introduced from Thursday 5 November.

The measures will see swimming pools across the country close until at least Wednesday 2 December.

Swim England insisted that it was vital that facilities should remain open to help maintain the physical and mental health of the nation during the pandemic.

The recognised national governing body warned another extended closure would lead to long-term public health implications – and feared a generation missing out on learning a life-saving skill due to a lack of facilities forced to permanently shut.

A  total of 23,047 people put their names to the letter in just over a day.

Jane said she was astounded by the response to the open letter and said it proved the weight of feeling around the closure – and if pools were to shut, the Government should commit to reopening them as soon as possible.

She said: “We have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response to the open letter.

Late change of heart

“Thank you so much to everyone who has signed it and supported the #OpenOurPools campaign on social media.

“It shows that people want to be given the chance to continue enjoying the activities they love in Covid-secure environments.

“We hope the Government has a late change of heart and reconsiders the decision.”

People can still get behind the campaign using a number of downloadable assets available on the #OpenOurPools page.