Swimming pools lost in schools shake-up

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They said half of schools that now have pools would lose them as a result of the scheme. London is already affected and there are fears that playing fields and other sports facilities are also at risk.

The Prime Minister has pledged to rebuild or refurbish every secondary in the country under the Building Schools for the Future programme.

But Stockwell Park School in Lambeth and Pimlico School will both lose their pools under the plans. Across England, 37 pools are affected by the first stages of the scheme and 20 are earmarked for closure, according to the Amateur Swimming Association.

It blamed "misleading" official guidance that had stated pools would not be eligible for funding under BSF. Because of this, councils would not approve plans for the facilities to be rebuilt.

The guidance has now been revised. Government agency Partnerships for Schools said cash from the rebuilding scheme could be used to replace pools, but it was a "local decision" for councils.

But ASA chief executive David Sparkes said: "To date, BSF has been a missed opportunity as far as swimming is concerned."

Westminster council said that in the new £34 million academy at Pimlico School, the pool would be replaced with a canteen. "There is a public pool nearby in Victoria," he said. "Sport England have been consulted and support the proposals for enhanced facilities on site."

A spokeswoman for Lambeth council said: "Despite asking bidders to try to include a swimming pool in their proposals for Stockwell Park, it simply wasn't possible within the BSF funding available. However, we will be ensuring that all pupils at the new school have access to pool facilities."

There is also concern over playing fields. Boris

Johnson has approved the sale of Holland Park

School's fields, despite local opposition.