Ramsey Commissioners are to write to Education Minister Julie Edge MHK appealing for financial assistance to keep the Northern Swimming Pool operating as normal.

The sharp rise in gas prices has resulted in the Northern Swimming Pool Board seeking £46,000 from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, but so far the response has not been favourable – with the department suggesting that the sum fall, instead, on ratepayers.

The pool opened 13 years ago at a cost of £6 million and is self-financing, with any shortfall being met by the taxpayer, via a subvention from the DESC. The same arrangement applies to all three regional pools – Northern, Eastern and Southern.

Ramsey commissioner Juan McGuinness told the monthly board meeting that the shortfall would mean one of two things: substantial increase the cost to users or reduce opening hours.

The commissioners agreed they should write to Mrs Edge emphasing the immense importance of the facility to the community in the north and asking for her department’s assistance.

In last week’s Manx Independent, we reported on the situation at the southern pool.

Its future is still in discussions. The news came to light after an urgent question in Tynwald from Rushen MHK Juan Watterson.

Mrs Edge told the court: ‘We need to look at doing a review of the pools and allowances that go to the pools.

‘We will work with the Department of Infrastructure and will come forward with a solution as soon as possible.