Woking faces a health crisis as looming council cuts due to bankruptcy, amounting to £900,000, threaten critical community leisure facilities. This puts the most vulnerable residents at even greater risk.
A 6-week public stakeholder consultation started on Monday 2nd October and ends on Sunday 12th November. A final decision on the proposals will be
made by full council on Thursday 8 February 2024.
Woking's Critical Situation
Inequality and Poor Health: Woking has the highest child poverty rate in the county, the
least active children, and ranks second from bottom on swimming capability. Additionally,
one in three adults does less than 30 mins of physical activity a week, and ranks second
highest for adult obesity in Surrey.
Nearly one in four Woking residents come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, while
one in three represent diverse communities.
Impact of Council Cuts
Pool-in-the-Park Closure: Woking's beloved Pool in the Park faces a phased three-year
closure, depriving the community of a vital resource for physical activity and wellness.
More Facilities at Risk: Alongside the pool, Woking, Eastwood, and Sportsbox leisure
centres, 13 sports pitches and pavilions, Dance Woking and participation in the Specsavers
Surrey Youth Games, all face the threat of having funding removed.
Deepening Inequality: These cuts will exacerbate inequalities, making it even harder for
children and adults in Woking, who are already grappling with poor health outcomes, to
access essential facilities.
Elizabeth Duggan, CEO of Active Surrey, underscores the urgency: "Woking already
has the least active children in Surrey, and some of the least active adults. Daily physical
activity is vital for health and well-being. The closure of facilities like Pool in the Park will only worsen the health of residents, especially those already facing inequalities and hardship."
Call to Action: Unite to Save Woking's Health
We call upon local Surrey MPs, Woking Borough Council, community leaders, and
stakeholders to join forces and find alternative solutions. The well-being of Woking's
residents must be a top priority, especially considering the existing challenges they face.
Residents, Take Action: Sign the petition to Save Pool in the Park and Keep Woking Healthy and Children Swimming
Petition: Save Woking Pool: Keep Woking Healthy and
Children Swimming! · Change.org.
Tell Woking Council what you think in the public consultation - open now until 12th Nov: Service review consultation | Woking Community Forum
For media inquiries, contact:
Mark Hamilton, Active Surrey, Mark.Hamilton@surreycc.gov.uk 07970 318 933
Together, we can save Woking’s health and future.
Active Surrey is a not for profit organisation dedicated to the support, promotion and
development of active lifestyles throughout Surrey with a particular focus on combatting
inactivity as a result of inequality.
Part funded by Sport England and the National Lottery.
1. End Child Poverty Coalition, published 2023 “Child poverty in your area” End Child
Poverty https://endchildpoverty.org.uk/child-poverty/
2. Sport England, published 20 April 2023 “Active Lives Children and Young People
Survey Academic Year 21/22: Levels of Activity Surrey”, Sport England
https://activelives.sportengland.org/Result?queryId=64195
3. Sport England, published 20 April 2023, “Active Lives Children & Young People
Survey Academic Year 21/22: Swimming Capability: Can swim 25m unaided”, Sport
England Active Lives | Results (sportengland.org)
4. Sport England, published 20 April 2023, “Active Lives Adult Survey Nov 21/22:
Levels of Activity Surrey”, Sport England Active Lives | Results (sportengland.org)
5. Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) published May 2023, “Obesity
Profile: Adults Districts & UAs in SE England”, OHID Obesity Profile - Data - OHID
(phe.org.uk)
6. Office for National Statistics (ONS), published 8 December, 2022, “National Statistics
Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC)”, ONS, updated 28 March 2023 NS-SeC -
Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
7. Office for National Statistics (ONS), published 8 December, 2022, “National Statistics
Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC): Surrey”, ONS, updated 28 March 2023 NSSeC - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk