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City councillors push funds towards saving hydrotherapy pool
Cllr Marco Cereste is one of those who has donated CLF money to keep the pool open for people like Karen Oldale (right).
The needs of people all over Peterborough to use an at-risk rehab centre have spurred city councillors to donate more than £7,000 to keep it open.
About 700 people from all over the city and its surrounding area use the Community Hydrotherapy Pool at the St George’s Centre, Dogsthorpe Road, every week.
It helps provide pain relief for disabled children and also adults suffering from conditions like arthritis and sports injuries.
Fears for the pool’s future were raised by Peterborough councillors and officers several months ago.
They feel without new equipment and increased financial assistance towards running costs, the pool could close.
However, 25 councillors representing 10 of the city’s 24 wards have decided to dip into their £10,000 annual community leadership fund (CLF) to contribute towards the facility.
The money is earmarked to provide services for constituents in each councillor’s ward, but can be spent on things they use that is physically outside their area.
In total, £7,150 has been raised - meaning the pool will be able to run for the next six months.
Council leader Cllr Marco Cereste, who represents Stanground Central, said: “We have got people in our area that use the service.
“The CLF isn’t just for things that are physically in your ward, they can be for services used elsewhere by people from the ward.
“I am absolutely convinced it’s a really fabulous facility and really helps people, so we wouldn’t want to lose it for the city.”
Karen Oldale, from Maxey, suffers from a range of muscular problems and relies on the hydrotherapy to get any exercise.
She lives in Northborough ward, and was happy to hear her councillor Peter Hiller has donated £750 from his CLF to the pool.
Mrs Oldale (51) said: “Having the pool is vital for my physiotherapy, so I think it is great that Cllr Hiller donated to it.
“I go down there three times a week and there are people from all over Peterborough there, so I think it makes sense that every ward helps to keep it open.”
Disability forum manager Bryan Tyler said: “We are delighted at the positive response and support we received from many councillors.
“The money raised from the CLF will help sustain the hydrotherapy pool service for a further six months, to the benefit of the Peterborough community.”
As well as the £750 donated from Northborough ward, councillors from Paston and Gunthorpe, Stanground East, Werrington North and North ward all gave £1,000 each to the appeal.
Councillors representing Fletton, Dogsthorpe, Orton Longueville and Stanground Central have each put forward £500. Completing the donations is Park ward, which has given £400.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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