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Two Yorkshire areas without a single public swimming pool – mapped
Two Yorkshire constituencies, Dewsbury and Batley and Sheffield Hallam, are among 10 in England with no public “pay and play” swimming pool, according to new analysis. Residents can access pools through private gyms or children’s swim schools, but cannot simply turn up for an occasional swim, raising concerns about local access to public facilities.
The analysis of Sport England’s Active Places database found 915 public pools have closed across England since 2010. Bradford West has one public pool for 127,000 people, at a university-run gym where non-members can pay to swim; plans for a new pool and leisure centre were cancelled this summer. Closures peaked in 2020, when 84 pools shut.
In short
- Dewsbury and Batley and Sheffield Hallam have no public pay-and-play pools.
- Bradford West has one public pool serving 127,000 residents.
- England has lost 915 public pools since 2010.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A public pay-and-play pool gives residents a straightforward way to swim without a membership, which can support health, children’s water safety and affordable recreation. The absence of one in these constituencies, alongside hundreds of closures nationally, raises reasonable questions about whether local facilities are keeping pace with community needs.
The case against
Public pools require ongoing funding for staffing, maintenance and energy, so councils and operators may need to weigh access against other demands on limited budgets. Private gyms, swim schools and university facilities can provide some local swimming, and choices about new centres may depend on expected use, costs and whether a sustainable operating plan is available.
Explained simply
Public “pay and play” swimming pools let people swim without joining a gym or booking lessons. Their availability can depend on local leisure centres and other facilities, which may be run by councils, universities or private operators.
Sport England’s Active Places database records swimming facilities across England. A pool closing can reduce the options for people who want an occasional swim, while access through a gym or swim school may involve membership or set sessions. Public pools are also used for lessons and community activities.