A Rutland resident has got in touch with Oakham Nub News this week to propose that Rutland County Council consider turning Wilko into a swimming pool.

The old Wilko building, which closed as Wilko on 24 September, has caused a great deal of discussion on local social media groups and among the Rutland community.

With coffee shops, independent businesses and national chains closing across Oakham, the people of Rutland are missing some 'essentials' in the rural market town.

While some have dubbed it a 'ghost town', many are keen to get Oakham back on its feet after a wave of closures, including but not limited Wilko, Colemans, Costa Coffee, The Waffle Bowl, ShoeCraft and other independent shops.

Some have suggested a market-style format be brought to the old Wilko building, with independent sellers touting their wares at a daily undercover market.

One resident said: "We don't need more artisan goods - just affordable, daily essentials, like children's clothes, underwear, DIY goods and the like. Rutland has a big mix of people, and affordability is just as important as the beautiful shops and tourist spots that we already have."

Another reader has got in touch and suggested that the old Wilko building be turned into a swimming pool: "How about making Wilko into a town centre swimming pool? It might be worth seeing if the council have any thoughts on this."

This comes after Rutland's public pool at Catmose Sports Centre was shut down for good following the pandemic.

While Uppingham Sports Centre and Oakham School offer limited swimming sessions and lessons, the lack of a public pool in Rutland's county town has caused distress among locals, who argue that they need a place to teach their children to swim, being so close to Rutland Water, one of the country's biggest man made bodies of water.

What do you think about turning Wilko into a swimming pool? Or do you propose something else?

Get in touch to let us know by emailing [email protected].