New Parks pool closure proposal raises concerns over disabled swimmers’ access

A Leicester mother is fighting proposals to close New Parks Leisure Centre, saying her severely disabled son could lose the only swimming pool the family has found that meets his needs.

Leicester City Council is asking residents to comment by Tuesday 3 November on proposals to shut the centre and spend £8 million transforming Leicester Leys Leisure Centre. The council says no decision has been made.

Specialist access needed

The mother says her son uses a wheelchair full-time and has complex physical, hearing and visual impairments. According to the BBC, swimming is his only cardiovascular exercise and gives him a sense of freedom.

A standard pool chair does not meet his needs. He requires a poolside changing room equipped with a ceiling-track hoist and a changing bed, allowing him to be transferred safely into the water.

The family has looked for alternatives, including outside Leicestershire, without finding a suitable pool. His mother says Leicester Leys would be too busy because of his sensory impairments, even with a pool hoist.

A petition opposing the closure has attracted more than 2,150 signatures. The council describes New Parks as its least-used leisure centre.

Council points to Aylestone adaptations

The council says it has spoken with swimmers during the consultation to understand their requirements and consider whether other sites could accommodate them.

It says every city council swimming pool has disabled pool hoists supporting different mobility needs and transfer methods, including standard slings and adapted poolside chairs.

After discussing the family’s requirements, the council said Aylestone Leisure Centre was making small adaptations to accommodate the son’s need for deeper water. It said these changes would make the centre suitable for him and other users.

Source: The Times of India