Campaigns
Swimming Pool for Falmouth
Swimming Pool for Falmouth: Parliamentary Petition
About Petition:
I have launched a Parliamentary petition to bring back swimming Pool facilities for Falmouth.
Swimming all year round is something we shouldn’t take for granted. The benefits are vast, which is why it is so important, especially for our young people, that everyone has the chance to learn in a safe environment.
This formal Parliamentary petition calls on the Government to support the development of swimming pool facilities in Falmouth, following the 2022 closure of the town’s only public pool.
Falmouth juts out into the Atlantic, defined, geographically, economically, and culturally, by the sea. From sailing and shipping to ferrying and, crucially, swimming, the ocean is central to life here. Despite this deep maritime identity, Falmouth is the only Community Area Partnership in Cornwall without a public swimming facility.
Recent figures from a primary school in Falmouth show that the percentage of children unable to swim 25 metres has surged from under 10% to 50%. Without a local pool, schools are having to transport pupils up to 40 minutes away to gain swimming skills, an option that is expensive and unsustainable.
Swimming is not just a sport, it is a life skill, especially in coastal communities like ours. Every child in Falmouth and surrounding areas should have the opportunity to learn to swim safely and affordably. Losing the pool has left a gap in education, safety, and community health.
This petition calls on the Government to recognise the significant health, safety, and social benefits of providing swimming facilities for residents in the Truro and Falmouth constituency and support the campaign to provide a pool for Falmouth.
The petition is open to all residents of the Truro and Falmouth constituency (check with your postcode here). The petition must be signed in person and physical copies are available across Falmouth and surrounding areas. A full list of signing location can be found below.
The petition will collect signatures until the 10th of October, before being formally presented to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Where to sign:
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FAQ
When do the petitions need to be returned?
We will need all physical petitions back by the 10th of October. I am aiming to present end of October when Parliament back in session.
Is there a deadline?
There is no official deadline date. But we will need the petition back by the second week of October.
Does the petition need a certain number of signatures?
There is no specific number of signatures needed. The more the petition gathers the more weight it has because it shows how much Jayne's constituents really want this. More signatures makes support/funding for development more likely.
Why do they have to be 'wet' signatures? Can't it be online?
Because it is a Parliamentary Petition, it must be a ‘wet’ signature; it is a formality of the process. It means that the speaker can physically see the weight/substantiality of it.
What is the aim of the petition?
The idea of a parliamentary petition is to lobby the Government for investment and show the House of Commons that Jayne's constituents really care about something.
Where does the petition go?
The petition will be presented to the Speaker, this will then be visible on Hansard and can be referenced when Jayne meets with Ministers and when funding is made available, e.g., when they look to fund sports facilities, they'll see there is already support.
Is there an age limit for signing?
No, any age can sign. And if children sign, it's a great way for them to exercise their voice in Westminster as it is direct public-to-Parliament engagement.
Who signs the ‘Member’s initial’ and ‘Member’s Name’?
This is for your member of Parliament to sign. So that will be Jayne.
Can people from the same household sign?
Yes, as long as you are a constituent of Truro & Falmouth, you can sign.
Check if Jayne Kirkham is your MP here.
How can I help with this petition?
Sign the Petition: You can add your name at one of the petition locations marked on the map. Petitions have been placed around Falmouth and nearby areas, including Jayne’s office in Truro.
Host a Petition: If you run or work in any public/community space, you can host a petition. Just make sure it can be added to Jayne’s petition map so others can find it. Email in and we can get one to you!
Help Gather Signatures: Volunteers are also going door-to-door to collect signatures. If you'd like to help, this is another great way to get involved. Just email: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk
Swimming Pool for Falmouth: First Signature
