Swimming clubs "cautiously optimistic" over joint sport study

The study will include the possibility of a joint 50-metre swimming pool for Bexhill and Hastings as requested in an approach by the Bexhill, Hastings and 1066 swimming clubs who need it to train swimmers for competition at county and regional level.

The campaign has the support of 2004 Olympic swimmer Lisa Chapman, who reached county level with Hastings Seagulls.

Tony Rouncivell, chairman of 1066 Swimmers, explained: "Obviously, we are delighted that the consultants have been asked to look at the 50-metre pool option.

"This follows on from the report that we submitted to the two councils earlier in the year.

"However, this does not mean that we will get one.

"Everyone who believes that the area requires sport facilities to a regional standard needs to get behind the campaign and ensure that their views are made known. They can sign our petition (copies available at [email protected] or by phoning 07795 012822), get their sports governing body to support the project or by writing to either council.

"The three swimming clubs and the Amateur Swimming Association SE Region have written to the consultants with additional evidence of need but we now need the support of other sporting disciplines. The door is ajar '“ we need to push it fully open"

The clubs says development of a regional sports centre in the area would provide a welcome opportunity for local youth in particular to achieve success at county and regional levels.

Those wishing to compete at this standard have for too long been faced with lengthy journeys to undertake the necessary training with county squads which usually takes place in Brighton or even further west.

The clubs argue that a regional facility would have the "critical mass" to attract top coaches which, in turn, would attract more people to take up the various sports on offer.

In the past the area has produced top-flight athletes in a variety of disciplines but this has been the exception rather than the rule.

One such athlete is swimmer Lisa Chapman, who was part of the GB Olympic swimming squad and competed at Athens 2004.

Lisa is an enthusiastic backer of a regional facility and a 50-metre pool in particular.

She says: "I achieved my success despite, not because of, the local facilities.

"Whilst I learnt to swim and reached county level with Hastings Seagulls, I had to move to Loughborough to get quality training before reaching a national standard.

"The fact is that local 25-metre pools simply do not attract the best coaches or events to inspire local youth.

"I fully endorse the campaign for a 50-metre pool as part of a Regional Sports centre as top-rate facilities will give more of our talented youngsters the chance to reach their full potential.

"Unfortunately mediocre facilities will simply continue to achieve mediocrity".