AN OLYMPIC diving judge has attacked the removal of Huddersfield's only diving facility.
Sydney Boothroyd, 59, claims that the permanent closure of the diving pool at Huddersfield Sports Centre is the end for the sport in the town.
Mr Boothroyd, who will be judging at the Commonwealth Games starting in Melbourne tomorrow, says any potential stars of the future will have to travel to other towns in the area.
He added: "The pool was temporarily shut down for repairs four or five years ago.
"Last year they said it was to be closed permanently."
Since the announcement leisure bosses have covered the pool with a floor and made it an extension of the centre's fitness suite.
Mr Boothroyd, who has judged at three Olympic games, said: "Diving has a long history in Huddersfield, producing national and international divers.
"This was a purpose-built facility which served the town well.
"Now the opportunity for others to become involved in the sport has been removed.
"How can we encourage and develop the sportsmen and women of the future if the facilities are being removed?"
Mr Boothroyd, who missed joining the Great Britain squad in the Mexico 1968 Olympics by just one place, said: "Are the council serious about sport or are they only interested in sports that make money?"
Terry Meehan, Chief Executive of Kirklees Active Leisure, said: "Kirklees Active Leisure has currently no plans to repair the diving pool and no plans to close it down either.
"We are working with Kirklees Council investing in improving the facilities in our centres across the district.
"When we come to evaluate what investment needs to be put into Huddersfield Sports Centre, we will consider what all the options are with regard to all the facilities at that centre, including the diving pool."
