Press Statement from London Borough of Redbridge – 29th September 2008
Ilford Swimming Pool closes after building survey

Ilford Swimming Pool has been closed following a structural report and further advice from experts. The swimming pool had been due to close on 22 December this year but the results of a recent survey showed extensive deterioration of the swimming pool recently.

Councillor Mrs Linda Huggett, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and the Olympics said: "I am very sad that we have had to bring forward the closure of the Pool in this way, but the Council is not prepared to make compromises or take risks over the safety of the public.

"There has been a rapid deterioration in the structure of the Pool in recent months. Bringing forward the closure of the Pool by three months is the best option to ensure there are no risks to the public.

"The Council is now working with Vision, the Leisure Trust that operates the Pool, to ensure that all regular users, schools and clubs are informed of the closure and further information will be available on the Vision and Council website from today."

Council officers are already working with colleagues from the pool's management company, Vision - Redbridge Culture & Leisure Ltd to inform customers.

Officers will be meeting with colleagues from Vision today and over the next week, to see if we can bring forward a revised programme for relocating the primary schools swimming programme from Ilford Pool to Fullwell Cross Pool, as proposed for January 2009.

Membership fees are being discussed with colleagues from Vision, and updates will be available on the Vision website from later today. All enquiries on membership will be dealt with at Fullwell Cross Pool.

Officers are working with colleagues from Vision to ensure that all regular users, schools and clubs are informed of the closure and further information will be available on the Vision and Redbridge i from today.'

Vision Statement:

All members who usually use Ilford Pool are welcome to use the facilities at Fullwell Cross. A letter will be sent to all monthly direct debit customers which will detail their options open to them.

At present Vision are in discussions with regards to relocating as much as possible of the programmes, and once any decision has been reached the information will be available to all customers, both in the reception areas of Vision centres and also on the website. Where possible, customers will also be contacted.

We will be in touch with all Ilford Swim Vision customers shortly regarding their lessons.

We would like to thank you for your continued support at this difficult time, and ask that you are patient with the staff present.

Swimming Lessons Update
Annual Payment Update
Monthly Payment Update

Please find updates below

Swimming Lessons

The Swim Vision Team are aiming to transfer as many swimming lessons from Ilford Pools to Fullwell Cross Pool as possible, however not all swimming lessons can be transferred.

If lessons are unable to be transferred to Fullwell Cross then a full refund will be given. We are aiming to provide letters to each swimming lesson customer within the next couple of weeks.

We hope that this is of help and thank you for your continued patience.

Annual Payment - Ilford Membership Customers

Every member who paid in advance for Ilford Pool membership has been contacted. Those who requested to cancel their membership will receive a refund of the advance payment by cheque shortly.

Monthly Payment– Ilford Membership Customers

Letters have been sent to every monthly member of Ilford Pools informing them of the transfer of their membership automatically to Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre.

If a member wishes to cancel their membership this must be put in writing, including the membership number, and either emailed to [email protected] or posted to: Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre, High Street, Barkingside, IG6 2EA.

Due to the immediate closure, direct debit payments due in October were unable to be stopped by Vision. Any payments which have been taken in October will be refunded if cancellation of membership is received in writing.

We ask that all members please be patient as DFC will be processing any refunds and sending out cheques once the cancellation process has been completed.