Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew to fight to keep hold of £10m grant with petition after Fakenham swimming pool plans ‘put in doubt’

An MP is fighting to keep hold of funding after plans for a town’s swimming pool have been “put in doubt”.

Jerome Mayhew, the MP for Broadland and Fakenham, is calling for residents to show the government how important a swimming pool would be for the town as there is uncertainty over its £10 million grant.

The facility was set to be built as an extension to the existing leisure centre on Trap Lane and if given the go-ahead would be the first one in the town for ten years.

A petition has now been set up by Mr Mayhew, who says he will share the responses with “the relevant agencies”.

Last November, £9.9 million was committed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to build the leisure facility, however, officials have now been instructed to review this funding to plug what has been described as a budget shortfall, meaning there is a risk that the cash could be withdrawn.

“Right across Norfolk we have seen critical investment projects put in doubt by this Labour government as they seek to divert taxpayers' money towards union pay rises,” the Conservative MP said.

“Labour needs to understand how important our new swimming pool is to Fakenham so I am asking residents to sign a petition that will help me fight to keep the funding that was granted by the last government.

“North Norfolk District Council has spent time and taxpayers' money developing the project having been supported by the Conservative government.

“To pull the plug now would waste all that investment and show that Labour is not interested in Norfolk.”

Those wanting to sign the petition can find it here.

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