Kirkham Swimming Baths remains closed more than three years after becoming non-operational in December 2021, with recent photos confirming no visible progress on reopening the facility.
Despite repeated announcements suggesting the baths are set to reopen, no tangible work has been completed. In the meantime, the ongoing situation has cost residents close to £200,000 in public funds simply to maintain the site while it remains shut.
Financial reports indicate that Fylde Borough Council is in a strong position, holding over £5 million in usable reserves, operating without debt, and recording a £749,000 underspend in the 2023/24 financial year. These figures, taken from the council’s audited accounts, have raised questions about why progress on the baths has stalled.
Concerns have also been raised about the future of these reserves amid proposals for new unitary authority structures, which could see funds redistributed beyond Fylde. Campaigners argue that local money should be invested in local priorities, including reopening key community facilities such as Kirkham Swimming Baths.
County Councillor Joshua Roberts has said he will continue to fight to get the baths reopened, pushing for the council to move beyond repeated announcements and take real, practical action to restore the facility for local residents.
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