Here are the views of the mayor and two of our local councillors on the sudden and indefinite closure of Forest Hill Pools. The views expressed are those of elected political party members and do not represent those of the association. We have published them as part of the debate on the future of Forest Hill Pools.

Mayor Steve Bullock (Lab)

The consultation on Forest Hill Pools produced some interesting responses and there were two distinct views.   There were some people, mainly those who actively use the pools, who wanted a new facility while others were concerned that the building should be refurbished because of its heritage and the impact it makes on the local scene.

The resources that I have identified for spending on Forest Hill are there so that a local swimming facility can be maintained and this has to be my primary concern.   During the consultation it became clear that what could be provided in a new facility for that money would not meet the expectations of many who wanted to pursue that option.

Neither of the ways forward is risk free but after careful consideration of all the responses I concluded that the best way forward is to refurbish the existing building.   I therefore asked officials to arrange for very detailed feasibility work to be carried out.   This is an old building which needs major work carrying out.   It is not as some people believe just a matter of tidying it up and giving it a fresh coat of paint.

Much of the equipment that keeps the pools working is close to the end of its useful life while the fabric of the building is in poor condition as well.   There are some very complex technical issues that need to be explored not least what will happen when one or both pools are drained.   Experience elsewhere has shown that there is a risk of irreparable damage occurring at that point and we must avoid this here at all costs.

The worst case would be that we spend a lot of money on cosmetic improvements and then suffer a major failure to some aspect which cannot be fixed.   I am determined that we will do the vital work first even if the cosmetic improvements have to take a little longer.   This is about securing the long term future of the building not providing a quick fix that leaves the real problems unresolved.