Councillor Alan Jones is apparently very concerned about swimming provision, and believes that citizens should be listened to when they exercise their democratic right to challenge local authority decisions (Letters, November 29).

It is a pity that Coun Jones didn't practise this philosophy when his party was in power, as he continually heckled the swimming pool campaigners during their brief speeches to council on June 14, 2000.

Coun Jones also appears to have conveniently forgotten that it was his party that first caused all the contention and public outrage over the pools, by them wanting to close at least one pool in York.

Rod Hills (the former Labour leader) stated that there was an over-provision of swimming in the city, and that municipal swimming was dying a death.

Sadly it is this type of "double standards behaviour" that is responsible for tarnishing the image of politics today.

Rather than playing disingenuous political games, Coun Jones's time would be better served working constructively with all the parties to fight for decent facilities for the betterment of our community.

Fiona Evans,

Yearsley Pool Action Group,

Whenby Grove,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 09:51 Thursday, December 02, 2004