Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough, has called for West Lindsey District Council to look into building an outdoor natural swimming pool at Market Rasen. Popular on the continent, natural swimming pools often feature aquatic plants in addition to chemical-free filtration systems that are better for the environment.

“There is strong demand for a pool,” Sir Edward pointed out in his letter to West Lindsey District Council, “with over five hundred residents signing a petition calling for one.” The MP acknowledged the cost of construction, maintenance, and staffing for an indoor pool at Market Rasen’s new leisure centre is significant and suggested a natural swimming pool as an alternative.

“This innovative solution has proved successful elsewhere,” Sir Edward said. “At Combloux in France, for example, their natural swimming pool is pure, clear, and free from chemicals. The need for active maintenance in this model is significantly less than a conventional pool as well as being far more environmentally friendly.”

“The new leisure centre is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the quality and variety of amenities on offer to local residents in Market Rasen,” the MP wrote in his letter. “I hope you will investigate the possibility of building a natural swimming pool to fulfil the strong desire of the community at significant long-term savings.”