Talks continue to secure Otters' deal in Horncastle

The News revealed two months ago that Horncastle Otters SC was under threat because of an on-going dispute with Magna Vitae who now run the town’s swimming pool

A joint statement, signed by Magna Vitae managing director Mark Humphreys and Otters’ chair Jackie Ross, stresses they want to provide reassurance to people concerned about the future of the club’.

The statement says: “The current arrangements at the pool will continue unchanged, with the exception of the annual increase in pool hire fees, through to the end of the summer 2016. We have agreed that we will continue the current arrangements through until March 2017 if that becomes necessary to secure a jointly agreed new arrangement. If we reach agreement sooner then we’ll look to implement at that time.

“From Magna Vitae’s perspective, I (Mark Humphreys) want also to give the reassurance that we do very much wish to achieve a solution that retains the Otters’ identity and presence at Horncastle Pool and I do very much recognise and value the community spirit that exists within long-standing club’s such as the Otters.

“I have clearly given the impression that this is not the case and I would like to reassure you that was not my intention.

“From the Otters perspective, I (Jackie Ross) would like to reassure members that the committee remains dedicated to preserving the ethos of the club and securing its long term future. For this to be successful we have recognised that we will need to work in collaboration with our pool operator and partner.”