THE Press reports (Pool-axed, April 28) that the Barbican stands empty and the swimming pool has been closed for two years.

We hear that the long-standing plans for a pool alongside the Barbican have been abandoned. We also hear there are hopes for a partnership with the university to create a new pool in eastern York on the proposed new campus.

The existing Barbican building is close to the campus. Surely City of York Council could have formed a partnership with the university to build the pool now for the benefit of residents and students on this brownfield site?

Better to do this than rely on a proposed development on York's valuable green belt, currently the subject of a public inquiry.

Richard Frost,

Chair,

Heslington Parish Council,

Hall Park,

Heslington,

York.

Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, May 03, 2006