THERE'S nothing like having the facts to back up your argument in a debate.

Unfortunately, it seems one York councillor was a bit wide of the mark at a recent meeting.

Earlier this month, City of York Council's scrutiny management committee met to review the ruling executive's decision to choose Oaklands for the site of the city's new swimming pool.

Among the contentious issues was the fact that the new pool, unlike its predecessor, Edmund Wilson, will have only five lanes instead of six.

As tempers flared, and tension mounted, Labour group leader Dave Merrett interrogated leisure service chief Charlie Croft.

An Oaklands working group had specifically said the new pool should have six lanes, claimed an indignant and insistent Coun Merrett, who was later threatened with eviction from the room as the debate became particularly heated.

Alas, on this count at least, it seems he was wrong.

The Diary learns that, shortly after the meeting, Coun Merrett was forced to send a rather humble apology to the rest of the committee - after realising he had confused Oaklands with the Barbican.

It was the latter, not the former, where six lanes had been specifically demanded.

Coun Merrett said: "I unfortunately confused the plans for Kent Street with those of Oaklands. I have apologised to Charlie Croft and the members of the committee."


FLOODING habitually sparks chaos in York, with engineers frantically dashing to and fro as frustrated motorists get caught out by closed roads across the city.

However, it's nice to see at least some city residents can still operate with near-military efficiency, whatever the height of the Ouse.

Diary legend Dale Minks spotted these seagulls lining up outside the Bonding Warehouse.

If any other readers spotted all creatures great and small enjoying the water, do get in touch.