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Penketh Pool and Community Centre was forced to temporarily close in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This was necessary due to the risks posed to public health throughout this crisis, these real risks remain. Councillors have been updated on the facility on several occasions including meetings of 11th March, 8th April, 13th May, 10th June, 8th July and a full update was intended on the 9th September but was unable to proceed. Prior to the retirement of our long-term general manager, advice was sought on behalf of the Council as to options for the future management of Kingfisher Leisure. As is common practice and to meet an emergency need, a temporary manager was sought. This was agreed by the Parish Council and a contractor was instructed and commenced work on 22nd June. This contractor left on 24th July after submitting a report to Cllrs on 7th July and 20th July on the concerning state of the facility. Inspections at Penketh Pool and Community Centre have revealed a number of operational and Health & Safety concerns. Further to the departure of this temporary contractor, a further temporary manager was engaged (under the same process and arrangements agreed prior) to take matters forward. Work has been ongoing in the assessment and processes to resolve these concerns. The temporary manager will report to Cllrs with a substantial update along with recommendations that the Council take a number of decisions which will allow necessary works for the facility to re-open safely in due course. The temporary manager had prepared to report to Cllrs for the 9th September meeting of the Council but was prevented from doing so (waiting for over one hour to be admitted on the Zoom meeting). He later found himself removed and unable to re-access the virtual meeting. The Council notes that some other leisure facilities have opened under limited operations and strict guidance and that all facilities are different in terms of their age and characteristics. The closest comparable facility in Warrington (to Penketh) is Broomfields Leisure Centre which is operated by Livewire and remains closed. Warrington is still in the top five nationally for confirmed cases of Covid 19 with a recent outbreak within a local Penketh school. For this reason, the decision to open the pool should not be taken lightly.All Cllrs are aware of the additional health and safety matters which need to be addressed and we are committed to re-opening as soon as possible. We understand that there has been some public misinformation regarding the circumstances around Covid-19 and the temporary closure of the facility and hope that this update will assist in understanding the challenges faced. Penketh Parish Council remains committed to the re-opening of Penketh Pool and Community Centre as soon as possible and will continue to prioritise health and safety and minimise risk despite any social media pressure.

The Council meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Penketh Parish Community Room, Honiton Way Penketh at 7:30pm and holds surgeries on the first Saturday of the month at Penketh Library, Honiton Way, Penketh 10:30-11:30am the minutes of each meeting are held at the library and here. All are welcome to attend the meetings and per the Standing Orders the meeting allows approximately 20 minutes for public participation. No elector will be allowed to speak more than once on any subject, co-operation is gratefully appreciated.Penketh Parish Council, Warrington consists of Eleven members, the Chair is Councillor Ray McKay.The Parish Council owns and manages Penketh Swimming Pool and Hall under the company name of Kingfisher Leisure Services. It is the one of a few Parish Council's in the country to own a swimming pool.The pool and community centre play a vital role for the community providing access to activities, organisations and clubs that partner with Kingfisher Leisure to keep it's residents fit, happy and healthy.For more information on the Pool and Community Centre activities please visit Penketh PoolThe Council manages and maintains Greystone Recreation Ground and Withinshaw Recreation Park and Penketh Gardens, which were bequeathed to the residents of Penketh. Their obligation is to maintain the recreation grounds, this consists of grass cutting, shrub and tree management, drainage and paths, gates and fences and of course litter picking.The recreation grounds are inspected weekly and if needed tidying is carried out. Playground equipment and soft play areas are maintained also to provide a safe and dog mess free play space. Please do not place banners on railings of the Parks as they are not permitted.