Mayor makes mockery of choice on Forest Hill Pools

10.14.32am GMT Tue 3rd Mar 2009

Local councillors want to keep swimming in Forest Hill

Forest Hill's Liberal Democrat councillors have condemned Lewisham's Labour Mayor for offering residents a false choice between unfunded and unwanted options for the future of Forest Hill Pools. Two options will go to consultation, down from the three open to the Mayor: either a new pool on its current site open in 2015 but with funding not guaranteed, or having a new pool built in Sydenham by 2012 and housing on the current site, but with planning risk and more funding.

"All of the options put to residents must be achievable and deliverable if we are to be given a real choice," commented Cllr Alex Feakes.

"Presenting undeliverable, unfunded and unwanted options makes a mockery of giving local residents a genuine say."

"After thirty years of underinvestment and delays, local residents are tired of the neglect inflicted on their local pool by an indifferent council. They want swimming to return to the current site as soon as possible and simply will not understand excuses related to policy and bureaucracy that are within the Mayor's control," said Alex.

Since the Pools closed in 2006, council officers have produced an exhausting series of reports and studies about its future. Predicted costs, funding, designs and options have varied widely, leading to increasing scepticism from the public about the Mayor's commitment to keeping swimming in Forest Hill.

Cllr Philip Peake said, "In the past few years, the Mayor has told people that fitting two pools on to the site is impossible and that it would be far cheaper to demolish the facade than reuse it. Now, he's done a complete U-turn on these issues, but says his 'back of the envelope' calculations show he can't keep his promise to retain swimming in Forest Hill."

"It would not be surprising if the public have little confidence in the consultation, especially as it seems the Mayor seems set on building the pools away from the town centre," said Philip.

"As Forest Hill's councillors, we've been trying our best to keep swimming in Forest Hill, and we have been putting forward concrete ideas and suggestions to help make this happen," said Cllr John Russell. "The rushed consultation the Mayor is proposing will be a sham and ironically will lead to greater delay, because the Mayor has failed to provide the necessary resources for a proper choice between the two options. The Mayor needs to undertake more work prior to the consultation to ensure residents are given a real choice. "

"We will continue working constructively with local residents and council officers to try and find ways of making retention of swimming in Forest Hill more affordable. Further practical compromises are possible given the necessary political will. This is the only way that residents will be given a genuine choice."