Closure FAQ
In response to the temporary closure of Ashburton Pool next week, the trustees have provided further clarification on the following points:
How much notice did you get from Wales & West about the roadworks?
Sadly, we received no formal notice from Wales & West Utilities about the planned roadworks. While we became aware in early June that works were scheduled around Love Lane, it was only through our own investigations that the full implications began to emerge. Once we understood that the works might compromise emergency vehicle access—a critical safety requirement for operating the pool—we immediately reached out to Wales & West.
We first spoke with their project manager on 3rd June 2025, but at that point he was unable to confirm any schedule or give an indication of potential closure dates. We followed up again on 14th July, requesting more detailed information about which roads would be affected and when, in the hope of being able to plan an appropriate response. At that stage, they still could not provide definitive dates. We were informed that their initial intention was to maintain access via Valenia Terrace and Woodlands Road, and then later switch access to Whistley Hill as works progressed down the hill.
Wales & West also advised us they were applying for permission to cone off a lane of the A38 to allow safe access via Whistley Hill. However, that application was ultimately rejected. It wasn’t until 21st July 2025 that we received formal confirmation that Love Lane would be closed from 4th August—leaving us with no option but to activate our emergency communications plan and prepare for a safety-driven closure of the pool for an indefinite period.
The works have been scheduled specifically to coincide with the school summer holidays—a time chosen to minimise disruption to the nearby primary school. But for us, it’s the exact opposite, this is our only viable operating window, the brief season in which our community relies on access to the pool.
The decision to close has been taken following a formal risk assessment by the Trustees. The closure is a direct result of essential roadworks being carried out by Wales & West Utilities, which restrict safe emergency access to the pool. While the works are underway, we cannot ensure the level of access required to operate responsibly. We considered possible alternatives but concluded that the risks could not be reduced to an acceptable level.
Will Wales & West be offering any compensation due to the fact that the pool is being forced to close?
While there is a route to apply for compensation, it is unclear what, if anything, the Gas (Street Works) (Compensation of Small Businesses) Regulations 1996 we may be able to claim. The regulations set out very strict criteria which it is not guaranteed that any small business or charity would meet, and we don't know what it will realistically cover. As a charity, we do not generate profit—our income simply enables us to keep running. We fear that no compensation scheme will account for the reputational damage caused by this forced closure, which may impact public trust and future fundraising. That loss—of public faith, goodwill, and community momentum—is what hits us hardest.
When will you know when you will be able to reopen? Have you been given any indication of timelines for the work?
At this stage, all we know is that we must shut at the end of the day on Sunday 3rd August. Beyond that, we are in limbo. Wales & West have advised that until they begin work and understand the full extent of what’s required, they cannot confirm when vehicular access will be restored—leaving us with no way to plan, no timeline to communicate, and no certainty to offer our staff, volunteers, or community.
We continue to review our risk assessment and will reopen the pool as soon as it is safe to do so.
What is the impact of this closure for the Trustees and staff?
It’s devastating. There’s simply no other word for it. Our Trustees, our manager, our lifeguards—everyone involved has poured time, energy and care into getting the pool open this year despite enormous setbacks. We battled through weeks of remedial repairs to the deep end, finally completing work that allowed us to open, albeit later than usual. We did so knowing there was still more to be done to resolve the water loss issues long-term—but we believed in the importance of offering the pool to our community this summer.
To now be shut down not by weather, not by funding shortfalls, but by roadworks completely outside our control—it is heartbreaking.
We would like to extend our gratitude to every individual who has supported us by visiting and swimming in our pool this season, our community, local organisations, businesses and Ashburton Town Council. Their encouragement and financial backing have been vital, enabling us to open this year despite significant challenges.
While this unexpected closure is a considerable setback, we intend to use the time productively to carry out essential testing and to progress with the next phase of our fundraising and long-term sustainability planning.
This disruption comes at a time when the pool was beginning to recover from earlier difficulties, making the situation all the more disheartening. However, we remain hopeful that we will be able to reopen within a matter of weeks and ask our community to continue standing with us as we navigate this difficult period
Of you have any specific questions please email info@ashburtonpool.com
Lucy Wood
Chair of Trustees
Ashburton Swimming Pool
