I READ about the precipitate closure of Yearsley swimming pool - which originally purported to be because of faulty water conditioning and heating equipment, but now appears to be artificially compounded by the "rotting roof issue." (November 13).

I then had to read the opinion of some unqualified spokesperson who damned the whole edifice - no doubt bringing music to the ears of certain administrators whose boots appear to be on the small side.

Naturally, those elderly citizens who try not to burden the health service by engaging in regular exercise are somewhat 'peeved' because we are old enough to have seen Rowntrees Park pool filled in, and more recently the Barbican pool shut down without a suitable alternative.

Some worked for the chocolate firms who bestowed these precious gifts on the city.

They do not have sufficient funds to "go private," having worked their guts out for pensions which now seem inadequate.

We question the efficiency of former on-going roof inspection. Not to be too paranoid about the issue, we also suspect a hidden agenda.

The Health & Safety Authority may think that it is are acting fairly, but fairness is one thing, giving people a break is another.

Dave Morris,

Priory Street, York.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, November 19, 2004