East Devon MP pledges support for local pools during visit to Axminster Flamingo Pool

East Devon’s MP Simon Jupp visited the Flamingo Pool to meet with local business Water Babies and pledge his support for the Axminster-based charity which has faced significant financial challenges.

Meeting with Natasha Khojasteh, Director of Water Babies, Simon Jupp MP had the opportunity to discuss the work of the company in training babies and toddlers to swim. With its headquarters based in Clyst St Mary, Water Babies has become a world leader in providing swimming programmes since it began in 2002.

The East Devon MP was impressed with their global success in addition to their localised operations, which brings parents and carers together from across the community whilst the Flamingo Pool is financially supported through the paid use of its facilities.

During the visit, Simon Jupp MP also discussed the challenges facing local community pools and his commitment to supporting them.

The East Devon MP has directly lobbied central government to help swimming pools prior to the Spring Budget after local pools including Topsham Swimming Pool and the Flamingo Pool faced significant financial challenges. Following this work, the East Devon MP welcomed the announcement of a new £60 million fund to support public swimming pools in England for 2023/24 by the Chancellor.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; "I’m a big supporter of local swimming pools and lobbied the Chancellor to secure vital financial support for them in the Spring Budget. The Flamingo Pool is a great local asset and I’ve seen first-hand how it brings the people of Axminster together. It was a pleasure to visit and see the wonderful work by Water Babies here in East Devon.”