Wirral swimmers rally to protect marine lake

More than 100 Wirral swimmers have raised concerns about public access to a marine lake.

It follows Wirral Council’s development proposals for the waterfront in New Brighton, including a £40m new outdoor swimming pool in the lake.

Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake swim there daily and are concerned the plans might restrict their access.

Kev Quinn said: “Everything seems to be geared toward making money. The lido will price people out rather than pulling them in.”

The swimmers said their main concern is that if a fee is charged it may deter people from trying open water swimming, which is often free.

Wirral Council declined to comment and said the matter relates to an ongoing public consultation.

The council plans are a long-term goal, expected to take over 10 years to complete. In the meantime, the group wants to see the lake improved and will be holding mass clean-ups.

Chris Shaw regularly trains groups of 30-50 people in the lake for the Cross Mersey swim. He said he understands the need to generate income, but that keeping access to the lake free encourages community participation and keeps people healthy.

He said: “We are not all for some big protest against the council. It’s about making sure they don’t forget about us.”

Approaching its 90th anniversary, the lake marks one of the last historic features for the town which lost its swimming baths, tower and pier.

Although the group are not entirely against the plans, another swimmer said: “People use this through the winter all the way through. If you have to pay, you won’t pay to go in for a minute.”

The consultation and the full plans can be found on the council’s website.