24 Aug 2026

Penrith Swimming Club has thanked the community after more than 60 people attended a public meeting on Monday evening, where Penrith Town Council heard emotional and passionate accounts of what the 145-year-old club means to local people before agreeing to support the club.

Swimmers, parents, volunteers, former members and supporters spoke about children learning to swim, developing confidence, progressing into competitive swimming and becoming part of a club that has served generations of Penrith families since 1881.

A Penrith Swimming Club spokesperson said:

“Tonight showed exactly what Penrith Swimming Club means to this community.

“To hear swimmers, parents, volunteers and former members speak so passionately about their club was incredibly moving.

“We cannot thank our community enough for standing with us, and we are extremely grateful to Penrith Town Council for listening and showing its support.”

Penrith Town Council does not operate Penrith Leisure Centre, but the club believes the support of the town’s elected representatives sends a powerful message to GLL/Better and Westmorland and Furness Council.

The campaign began after PSC was informed by GLL that its introductory swimming provision would no longer be authorised, initially from September 2026 and subsequently from 1 January 2027.

PSC remains willing to work constructively with GLL and Westmorland and Furness Council and formalise its longstanding arrangements. However, its position remains clear: the pathway through which young children enter Penrith Swimming Club and progress into club and competitive swimming must be protected.

“We are not seeking to take opportunities away from anyone. We want more children swimming in Penrith, not fewer.

“Our provision offers families a different pathway, with children progressing from their first experiences with the club into club and competitive swimming.

“There is room in Penrith for both programmes to succeed, and our community has made it clear that it wants Penrith Swimming Club’s pathway protected.”

“PETER, COME TO PENRITH SWIMMING CLUB”

Following the meeting, Penrith Swimming Club is extending a personal invitation to GLL Chief Executive Peter Bundey to come to Penrith Swimming Club.

PSC wants him to meet its swimmers, parents, coaches and volunteers and hear directly from the community about what the club means to Penrith.

“Peter, come to Penrith Swimming Club.

“Come and meet our swimmers, talk to our parents and meet the volunteers who give thousands of hours to this club.

“Come and hear for yourself just how much Penrith Swimming Club means to this community.

“More than 60 people came to a public meeting tonight to stand behind their swimming club, and almost 2,000 people have signed our petition.

“Our invitation is genuine. Come to Penrith Swimming Club, listen to our community and let’s sit around the table together and find a solution.”

CAMPAIGN CONTINUES - SIGN OUR PETITION

Penrith Swimming Club was founded in 1881 and has served the town for 145 years. Today it remains volunteer-run, providing opportunities across junior and competitive swimming, Masters Swimming and water polo.

The Town Council’s support is an important moment, but the future of the club’s introductory provision remains unresolved.

PSC is therefore asking people across Penrith, Eden and beyond to continue signing and sharing its petition as the campaign continues.

“Tonight Penrith stood behind its swimming club, but our campaign isn't over.

“Every signature strengthens our voice and demonstrates how much this club and its future matter to our community.

“Please sign our petition, share it and help us protect the pathway for the next generation of Penrith swimmers.

“We don’t want confrontation. We want a solution. Formalise the partnership, protect the pathway and allow Penrith Swimming Club to continue giving local children opportunities through swimming.”

SIGN THE PETITION:
https://c.org/Sq6bFDGKtx

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