Your recent articles about the proposed closure of the Barbican and Yearsley swimming pools highlight the total lack of consultation between the council and York residents who use these facilities.

The council pays lip-service to considerations of fitness and leisure, but in practice the bottom line is that expediency and financial savings are paramount.

Several years ago, the council elected to close the Yearsley pool, but the outcry from York residents persuaded them to back down. Obviously, the council was unable to risk the unpopularity that closure of the pool would have caused.

The situation now is exactly the same except that rather more people use the pool. It is quite apparent that the financial consideration could not have been overriding at that time, and one is forced to ask what the imperative is now? I suggest the council think again, particularly if they wish to be re-elected.

Richard G Fox,

Aldwark, York.

...IT is with great concern that I have read that City of York Council may be considering closure of its only swimming pool worthy of the name. Yearsley is unique in the area because it is long enough to swim in properly. Leeds is the nearest 50-metre pool and if York is to be seen to support competitive swimming it should be considering providing a 50-metre pool not shutting the only facility.

Every significant town has a pool appropriate to the needs of its people. Yearsley has been enjoyed by families for generations and is well used today by every segment of society from mothers and infants to remedial exercise for the elderly.

Therefore, the pool has an important purpose in the public health and vigour of York. However basic Yearsley might be, it serves an important civil function, especially for competitive people and must continue to be supported by local government.

Everyone I have spoken to feels very strongly about this issue. If closure is merely a rumour it needs to be refuted officially and promptly. In view of the necessity to reassure York's swimmers before the seasonal break, we will all be watching the local press for the necessary clarification that Yearsley will indeed continue to be funded.

Ian Wormald,

Main Street,

Elvington,

York.

...PLEASE don't let Yearsley Swimming Pool be closed. It is much-loved and well-supported. Lots of people meet their friends there and the exercise is wonderful. York need more swimming pools, not fewer.

Private health clubs and fitness centres are excellent for those who can afford to enjoy them, but not everyone can do so, especially pensioners. Also, you need to be fairly fit and able to move creaking joints to take full advantage of their many facilities.

On the other hand, swimming is recommended by the medical profession as a gentle way for all ages to take exercise, and it has a definite therapeutic effect for those suffering from stress. It is wonderful for those with physical disabilities, including people who are wheelchair-bound for most of the week.

By all means open another pool in York city centre, but let's give Yearsley its overdue face-lift. Perhaps some National Lottery money could be donated to maintain it.

At least that money would be well spent.

Mrs M A Newby,

Ashley Park Road,

Stockton Lane,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.