The Bury St Edmunds branch of the Labour Party has called on West Suffolk Council to do more to keep their town's swimming pool open.

The group claim that Abbeycroft Leisure recently came close to having to close the swimming pool at Bury St Edmunds leisure centre on Beetons Way.

They added that the closure was prevented by a last-minute, one-off grant from West Suffolk Council.

East Anglian Daily Times: Richard O'Driscoll, vice chair of Bury St Edmunds Labour Party.Richard O'Driscoll, vice chair of Bury St Edmunds Labour Party. (Image: Richard O'Driscoll)

The group are concerned that the current financial commitment from the council is not adequate and vice chair Richard O'Driscoll has submitted the following question:

"The Bury St Edmunds swimming pool and others in the district recently came close to closure because of financial pressures faced by Abbeycroft Leisure.

"Closure was averted by a one-off grant paid by the Council.

"This has helped the immediate situation but will still result in job losses and rising prices.

"As it can already cost £27 for a family of four to swim, is it not now time for the Council to restore a regular annual grant to provide long-term security and to 'make sport for all' a reality by bringing the cost of leisure down?"

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor Diane Hind, leader of the Labour group on West Suffolk Council.Councillor Diane Hind, leader of the Labour group on West Suffolk Council. (Image: West Suffolk Council/ Phil Morley)

Councillor Diane Hind, leader of the Labour group on West Suffolk Council added: "Labour is committed to making swimming and other services available to all.

"It is particularly important during these challenging times that we commit to the long-term future of these services, and that we bring the price down to enable as many people as possible to participate.

"We must make swimming and health and wellbeing a priority."

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre on Beetons Way.Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre on Beetons Way. (Image: Google Maps)

Their question is due to be answered at the next meeting of the West Suffolk Full Council at 7pm on Tuesday, February 21.