Michael Fabricant has welcomed the Bishop of Lichfield’s intervention over the proposed closure of the Friary Grange Leisure Centre pool in Lichfield.

“Bishop Michael Ipgrave has said the closure is ‘wrong’ – and I agree” says Michael Fabricant.  “The proposed closure was not handled well and was a nasty and sudden surprise to the many users of the swimming pool in north Lichfield.

“Ultimately this is for Lichfield District Council to resolve in negotiation with Staffordshire County Council and The Friary School.  Neither Parliament nor the Church has an active role in the negotiations other than to make our views known.

“However, I met with the Leader of Lichfield District Council, Doug Pullen, last month to discuss the issue and he agrees with me that somehow we need to keep a swimming pool in Lichfield City.  I wish him and the team well in their endeavours to see this is done and I have offered whatever any help I can give in finding additional funding.

“This is an important facility, but residents need to be clear precisely which are the organisations which can keep the pool open and, possibly, find a replacement pool in the future.”