This week I chaired a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming where we discussed our growing concerns over potential pool closures and Swim England’s Decade of Decline report.

It’s time the Government recognised the unique value of swimming pools and invested in them.  We need to ensure we have the pools for children to learn to swim in, families to enjoy and budding athletes to realise their talents.

Yet Swim England is warning there could be a 40 per cent reduction in the number of pools across the country by the end of the decade.

During the meeting, MPs raised concerns about potential pool closures in their constituencies and said they were committed to raising the issue with ministers to increase the pressure for investment in facilities.

Phil Brownlie, Swim England’s head of public affairs, said: “It’s positive to have so much interest in the future of pools.

“With swimming remaining one of the most popular activities up and down the country, swimming pools are vital parts of the local community, supporting people of all ages to be healthier and happier.

“But without investment in pools we’ll see millions shut out of the activities they love.

“That’s why we’re continuing to call for the Government to invest £1 billion as part of the upcoming spending review for the pools we need for the future and it was great to hear the APPG pledge their support to that fight.”