Labour councillors took advantage of a sunny Bank Holiday Monday to spend time at Mount Wise to celebrate the pools remaining free of charge for everyone to enjoy.

The previous Conservative administration had planned to start charging people to swim and Plymouth Labour made it a key pledge in the recent local election campaign to keep the well-loved facility free to use.

The campaign was spearheaded by Devonport councillor Mark Coker in whose ward the pools are located.

“It’s very important that these pools stay free for local residents and people across the city,” said Cllr Coker.

“That’s why I am so pleased the new Labour administration made this announcement ahead of the pools opening for the season.

“It’s vital these pools remain free to use for fun and for exercise, especially in the middle of a cost of living crisis,” said Cllr Coker, who was joined at the pool by fellow Devonport councillor Bill Stevens.

Councillors Sally Cresswell (with two of her grandchildren) Sarah Allen, Neil Hendy, Dylan Tippetts, Chris Penberthy and Jon Dingle also came along to check out the three pools which enjoy wonderful views across the Tamar into Cornwall

Mount Wise features a 25-metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, stepping stones, a whirlpool, and a bubble pool, as well as a small pool for children to paddle in and build their confidence in the water. 

“The pools are looking beautiful and we really want to encourage as many people as possible to use them so please come down and have a dip,” said Cllr Coker.

“We’re lucky to have this brilliant facility here in Plymouth and I’m proud to be part of a Labour council committed to keeping them free.”