Swimming club ‘delighted’ at return to pool

A delay in the reopening of swimming pools in Mid and East Antrim has meant that Olympic hopefuls have had to travel to Bangor to train.

Last month, the NI Executive permitted the reopening of leisure centres but the doors at facilities in Mid and East Antrim have remained shut.

Swimming in neighbouring towns such as Ballyclare has resumed at Sixmile Leisure Centre, Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey and Antrim Forum. Gym facilities are also operational.

Commenting on the council’s decision to allow swimming clubs access to the borough’s pools, head coach Peter Hill said: “We are absolutely delighted. I think that the club has shown in the last weeks that we are more than just a group of swimmers, we are a team and a family.

“To us, this is more than just a sport, it’s our lives. We are proud to have so many exceptional young people in our club who are itching to get back to chasing their dream.

“Obviously a lot of attention is on Danielle and Conor but this is bigger than them. It’s about a club that can continue to function and help our young people achieve their goal no matter what that may be.”

The club’s Olympic hopefuls, record-holder Danielle Hill is a European semi-finalist and Commonwealth finalist and Conor Ferguson, also an Irish record-holder, is a Commonwealth finalist and medallist at world junior level.

Peter added: “As a club, we realise that the pool is an essential part of the community in Larne and we are delighted that this first step has been taken and we will work with the centre to ensure a safe return to the pool for everyone.”

The council has indicated that firstly, access will be made available for local swimming clubs, with preparations being finalised to reopen gyms and fitness facilities from Friday, September 11.

Ladybirds Playgroup, Day Nursery and Afterschool Club will also be returning to Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “We are working hard to finalise plans for pools to open safely for the wider public and stringent health and safety measures are expected to be in place for this to happen from the beginning of October.”

The move to reopen leisure centres was approved by councillors at a special meeting on Tuesday.

It was proposed by Ulster Unionist Larne Lough Councillor Keith Turner and seconded by Sinn Fein Coast Road Cllr James McKeown.

Speaking afterwards, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Cllr Peter Johnston commented: “We’re really looking forward to reopening our doors and welcoming our residents and colleagues back to our centres.

“The safety of the public and our staff remains our top priority and we thank the public for their patience over recent months.

“It has been a hugely challenging time for everybody and the threat posed by Covid-19 remains very real, so we must continue to be cautious, vigilant and do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The health and well-being of residents in Mid and East Antrim is a key priority for us as a Council, as set out in our Corporate and Community Plans.

“Many will be delighted to get back to our pools and fitness facilities in the coming weeks.

“We are blessed with exceptional sporting talent in this borough, including multi-award winning swimmers, who will relish the phased reopening of our centres to continue their training.

“We are continuing to work hard, alongside staff and trade unions, to ensure these facilities remain a safe environment for visitors and our colleagues when they reopen and that we strictly adhere to the guidance and advice of the Public Health Agency and Northern Ireland Executive.

“The very latest information around specific activities and services, and how you can book your slot and get involved, will be made available on Council’s social media platforms and in the local media.

“My thanks again to our citizens and all the staff at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council who continue to work so hard to provide safe and excellent services to our community.”