Nearly 100 residents gathered at a public meeting last week to show their support for a new standalone swimming pool in Lynn.

A strong show of community support was evident on Thursday night at Alive St James, where around 80 residents gathered – both in person and online – to back revised plans for a new aquatics centre to replace the ageing town centre pool.

The hybrid meeting drew 50 attendees to the current pool’s viewing area, with a further 30 joining via video link.

Organisers Jennifer Pattison and Simon Rose, both committee members of the West Norfolk Swimming Club, outlined the benefits of the proposed standalone facility at the Lynnsport site.

They emphasised the centre’s potential to boost activity levels, improve accessibility for disabled swimmers, and “enhance the town’s reputation”.

The pair also stressed that their advocacy “extends beyond club interests, representing the wider community and all current and future pool users”.

They pledged to relay any concerns raised to West Norfolk Council for consideration.

The authority is currently exploring the feasibility of building a new standalone swimming pool, having originally suggested knocking down existing facilities such as part of the bowls rink.

Last week’s meeting was attended by representatives from several user groups, including the Lynn Triathlon Club, West Norfolk Sub Aqua Club, and regular individual swimmers.

“There was unanimous agreement that the replacement of the Blackfriars Street pool is long overdue, with widespread support for the revised proposal – considered a significant improvement over the original plan, which would have integrated the pool into a refurbished Alive Lynnsport building,” Mr Rose said.

“Some concerns remain, notably from the West Norfolk Sub Aqua Club, which highlighted the need for a pool depth of 3-3.5 metres for effective training.

“Other attendees requested that popular features such as sauna and steam room facilities, currently available at St James, be included in the new design.”

Adapted Sports Hub Trust representative Charlie Lankfer also spoke in favour of the proposal, expressing enthusiasm for the inclusive facilities planned at Lynnsport and the opportunities for collaboration between user groups.