Turning the Tide – Tides Leisure Centre, Deal

Previously a bustling hub of community activity, Tides Leisure Centre in Deal has sadly deteriorated into a shadow of its former self. Once a place where families could spend a pleasant afternoon and local residents could maintain their fitness, it now stands as a monument to neglect and mismanagement. An inefficient boiler room, the iconic slide remains perpetually out of use, and the wave machine, once a highlight for visitors, has not functioned for years.

This decline didn’t happen overnight. It is the result of years of neglect by the Conservative’s who were aware of the poor and even dangerous condition. They had the financial resources available to rebuild and refurbish the centre. They chose not to act. This inaction speaks volumes about their priorities and their commitment—or lack of—to the local community.
Now the Labour leaders are left to face the repercussions of past failures.

The Conservative’s recent criticism of the current Labour-led efforts is not only ironic but blatantly disingenuous. Instead of seizing the opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact on Deal’s community, the Conservatives chose to ignore the pressing needs of Tides. Now, as costs for building materials and paying workers have soared due to inflation, the Labour council is forced to make difficult decisions.

Despite these challenges, we are clear: Deal deserves a pool and community space that is fit for purpose. While the new plans may be compromised compared to what could have been achieved with timely intervention and appropriate funding, they represent a necessary and overdue step towards revitalising this essential community asset. The Labour administration is committed to ensuring that Tides does not remain a testament to neglect but is instead transformed into a facility that meets the needs and expectations of our district’s residents.

Our plans see a pool where inflatables can be installed on weekends for children. The iconic, albeit inadequate, wave machine will need to be removed to accommodate five or six swimming lanes. While many may argue these features were integral to the original concept of the pool, we have to make difficult decisions to realise our vision—decisions that the Conservatives would not. However, ensuring that residents have access to a pool and local school children can continue their swimming lessons within their own town is a top priority.

It is crucial to hold those accountable who failed to act when they had the chance. It is equally important to support and constructively critique the current efforts to rebuild and improve the centre. Tides’ future depends on a collective commitment to providing Deal with a space that promotes community spirit, health and well-being, and stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community and its leaders work together.
Deal deserves nothing less.