A second protest against the continued closure of council-owned swimming pools took place last week, despite an announcement that Aberystwyth University pool will be open to the public soon.

On Friday, 18 June, parents gathered outside Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth, for the second time, to protest against the continued closure of the swimming pools in Aberystwyth and Lampeter.

Leisure facilities elsewhere in Wales reopened on 3 May. But Ceredigion council said “unforeseen issues” were preventing Plascrug and Lampeter swimming pools from reopening.

On the morning of the protest, Ceredigion council confirmed a number of pre-booked slots for the community will be available at Aberystwyth University’s swimming pool, from Monday, 28 June.

But protest organisers said this is not a suitable alternative for children.

Parent and organiser Kirtsy Usher said: “Not one mention was made in their statement of whether children will have access to the sports centre pool, which as far as I’m aware does not allow access to children currently.

“Also, even if it does, it is not suitable for young children as it’s so deep. Nothing makes up for the loss of the children’s pool at Plascrug, and summer is only a temporary fix after all.

“The main problem will be when swimming lessons should be resuming in the new school year.”

Organiser, Aberystwyth Town councillor Alex Mangold also feared the slots would be “overbooked”.

Cllr Mangold added he had a “long conversation” with the council’s facilities manager Paul Williams who “assured” him “the council have no intention of closing Plascrug Leisure Centre”.

The council said work to reopen the swimming pools was ongoing, but Kirsty said this is “not good enough” and photos show “no sign of work being done”. Another organiser Louise Ritchie stated the building looked “abandoned”.

“The council should be embarrassed by the state of the building, which is clearly a result of under funding, rather than being developed and resourced as the essential facility that it is,” she said.

Louise spoke of “good suggestions” from protesters, including that the council should subsidise transport to pools “where children can swim safely and access swimming lessons”.

Kirsty added parents want direct communication with the council, an opportunity to “feel heard”, such as a public forum.

Ceredigion County Council has been contacted for further comment.

Full details of the slots, at Aberystwyth University swimming pool, and how to book them are available on the Ceredigion Actif website.