Witham: Champion swimmer backs new facilities (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Witham: Champion swimmer backs new facilities

1:11pm Wednesday 1st July 2009

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A new swimming pool is great news for Witham but the town needs additional sports facilities, according to champion swimmer James Gibson.

Talented breaststroke swimmer Mr Gibson began his swimming career with Witham Dolphins at Bramston Sports Centre, Witham.

He has always spoken in support of the aging facility which opened in 1974.

With two options for a replacement pool due to be discussed by local councillors last night he told the Witham and Braintree Times, finances should not get in the way of Witham getting what it needs.

Councillors were due to debate whether more than £3 million should be spent on two swimming pools and spectator seating or £7 million should be spent on the pools and seating as well as squash courts, a gym and a health spa.

"What's encouraging for me as an athlete and local resident is the local council has committed to reinvesting into the sports centre and the first battle has been won in that we are keeping the pool," Mr Gibson said.

"Having a pool ensures kids on the local swimming teams, and the general population, can have easy access to local swimming.

"I would love to see a cash injection of £7 million going into the sports centre and if it could provide elite training facilities for swimmers and athletes it would be awesome."

The successful international swimmer, who has achieved numerous European, Commonwealth and British medals and records, lives and trains in France but he returned to Bramston Sports Centre as recently as March to give tips to young swimmers.

He said private health chains are appearing more frequently in towns and Bramston Sports Centre is a "great resource" in Witham that is affordable for residents.

"Bramston is also a meeting place for local groups and a great place to bring the community together," he said.

"If it worked out that going for the £7 million option was, for example, an extra £20 or £30 per household per year in tax, it's a small cost.

"It's a facility valuable to everyone, no matter shape or size and people can go for fun or to train seriously. A £7 million cash injection would be incredible and spread across the masses the money could be found. It wouldn't break the bank."

Mr Gibson, whose parents still live in Witham, will be returning to train at Bramston Sport Centre for three or four days before he competes in the swimming World Championships in Rome later this month.

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