Council to consider Penrith Swimming Club support request at Extra Ordinary Meeting

Penrith Town Council will hold an Extra Ordinary Meeting, following confirmation from the Chair Cllr Val Bowen, to consider correspondence received from Penrith Swimming Club about swimming provision at Penrith Leisure Centre.

In its letter to Penrith Town Council, the club says it has been told by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL / Better), with the support of Westmorland and Furness Council, that from 1 January 2027 it will no longer be able to teach beginner swimmers through to ASA level 7 at the leisure centre.

Penrith Swimming Club says it disputes a number of claims linked to the proposal and is concerned about the impact on its volunteer-run club. The club states that its introductory swimming provision is the route through which children progress into club and competitive swimming, and that removing this provision could affect the sustainability of the wider club.

Penrith Swimming Club has asked Penrith Town Council to consider providing a written statement of support and to share details of its petition. The Extra Ordinary Meeting will provide councillors with an opportunity to consider the correspondence and determine the Council’s position. The meeting will be held on Monday 24 August 2026 at 6pm at Penrith Town Council, Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate. As with all meetings of Penrith Town Council, the meeting will be open to members of the public who wish to attend.

By calling the Extra Ordinary Meeting, Penrith Town Council is ensuring that the matter can be considered openly by councillors and that the concerns raised by a local community organisation are heard through the Council’s formal decision-making process.

For more information about Penrith Town Council’s meetings of Full Council, please visit: https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/full-council/

For more information about Penrith Swimming Club, please visit: https://www.penrithswimmingclub.co.uk/