A Swindon swim school owner is running out of time to find a new venue for her lessons after being told she has to leave her current base. 

Clare Zimmer has run Clare Kent Swimming from Blunsdon House Hotel from January 2015 but was given notice in August that she would only be able to use the pool there for another three months.

The Cricklade woman has struggled to find a new venue for her swimming lessons, which cater for more than 130 children.

She is now appealing for anyone that might have pool space available to come forward, otherwise Clare fears it might be the end of her business and could leave some children in the town without swimming lesson provisions. 

Clare said: “Whilst I understand the hotel’s decision I’m extremely sad about it all, as this was a successful business that was working well, so it for it to possibly end over this after surviving Covid is disappointing.

“I’m obviously very upset and disappointed for my teachers and lifeguards as well.

“I’ve been trying to find a new pool space but in the back of my mind I know it might not work. Over the last two years I’ve been on the lookout for other venues but it’s been a struggle. I could double the swim school with the demand that comes in, but I can’t find the space.

"There’s definitely not enough pool space in Swindon. Most of the pools that are available are privately owned in gyms or hotels.”

“I do hope someone comes forward with availability.”

Blunsdon House Hotel said it had made a business decision but wishes Clare well.
A spokesperson from the hotel said: “Claire Kent Swimming was served notice of the hotel’s intention to terminate our informal pool use agreement at the start of August, with a cessation date set for late October. 

“This decision was made objectively using customer feedback and in the best interests of our hotel guests and fitness club membership.

“There is currently a real lack of swimming provision in Swindon, particularly since prominent local facilities, like the Oasis, have closed while others have been forced to reduce operating capacities/hours. Since reopening the town’s remaining pools have seen exceptional demand, which has led to potential conflicts of interest like this, arising between user groups with very different needs.

“While we regret the impact this decision may have had on Claire Kent Swimming, it is the correct decision for our business. We wish them all the best in the future and success in finding a new venue.”

Clare must find a new venue by the end of October.