LETTER: Pool choices are most critical

I was pleased to note Eastbourne Borough Council is investing in our future by planning to build a new leisure centre.

The report stated there has been “months of consultation with user groups”. I don’t know how true this is but as a member of the Sovereign Centre and regular swimmer I have not been consulted. Talking to some members of Eastbourne Swimming Club they are unaware of any consultation and I have not noticed any consultation involving Eastbourne residents. If the decision at the council meeting in December ends up rubber-stamping the plans, maybe with some minor wiggle room, I would be extremely worried.

I am not sure what clientele the council is aiming at. Is it mainly the tourists or Eastbourne residents? As far as swimming is concerned the lane pool would provide the biggest return for residents by way of training facilities for the town’s young and allowing their progress into competitive swimming. It would also attract competitive swimmers and events to the town.

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The fun pool would be the holidaymakers’ choice as well as a welcomed resource for the town’s youth. Although the current lane pool serves its purpose anything less would be unsatisfactory and a larger, 50m, pool would be a greater asset.

An additional small pool, if given a floor that could be raised and lowered, could provide a learners’ pool , a pool that would allow diving to be done safely and be a facility for scuba training.

These three pools would be the greatest part of the investment but would provide a resource not provided to the general public elsewhere in the town. It is in respect of the pools that the choices are most critical.

Colin Tallowin

Rattle Road, Westham

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