I WAS surprised to read Coun Orrell's comments that, in relation to the Barbican pool, "there has been a threat of closure for some time" (July 1). This is simply not the case.

Labour certainly had no plans to close any of the council's three pools, and unless the Lib Dems are admitting that they were considering such a move it is difficult to see where this "threat" could have come from.

Let us be clear.

What is at stake here is the choice between a first-class county pool, that would increase the involvement of York residents in swimming, as well as bringing competitions and prestige to York, and a community pool that would be smaller, less flexible and would accommodate fewer activities.

Closure is not, nor has it ever been, an option.

Let's get away from this misleading scare-mongering and have a proper debate about the real issues.

Cllr Alan Jones,

Labour spokesperson for leisure and heritage,

Kingsway North,

Clifton, York.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, July 08, 2003