Two leisure centres could be set to close as West Lancashire Council tries to save money.
On Wednesday, councillors will be asked to vote on whether to shut the Park Pool in Ormskirk and Nye Bevan in Skelmersdale.
A council report found that continuing to run the centres was not financially viable even by increasing the fees or reducing hours.
If both swimming pools were kept open it would cost the council more than £1 million next year.
More than 6,000 people have signed a petition to stop the closures.
The council had said it is committed to investment in its leisure facilities after approving £3.2 million of funding for Burscough Wellbeing & Leisure Hub to be refurbished. This will be open to the public this year.
Unfair
The closure will ‘will rip the heart from communities’ if they go ahead, GMB Union has warned.
GMB says the consultation process was unfair and lacked proper community input, with schools largely unaware of the plans, despite both facilities being used as part of the National Curriculum.
The union urges West Lancashire Council to rethink its approach and work with unions and their members towards saving these essential facilities.
Tim Collins, GMB regional organiser, said: “Closing these centres will rip the heart out of our communities.
“Swimming lessons are not just an extracurricular activity – they are a crucial part of the National Curriculum and teach lifesaving skills. Without these facilities, children will miss out on essential lessons, putting them at greater risk around water.
“This isn’t just about swimming – these leisure centres are a vital hub for the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. From families and pensioners to people recovering from injuries or illness, these services provide a safe space to stay active, socialise, and improve mental health.
“The council must halt these closures and work with the community, workers, and unions, to find a solution before it’s too late.”
