“Blogger and swimmer the Deptford Dame was rejoicing when the new lane pool opened at Wavelengths last year, a few months on she’s still finding it hard to swim locally because of a timetable that doesn’t account for those that work during the day.
In this excellent dissection of a swimming timetable she raises many important points and opens a much needed debate on the often unnecessary restrictions that timetables impose on large groups of swimmers. Read it here.“
“Saxon Crown would really benefit if there were a minimum of a training pool and a main 25-metre pool. The main pool should be at least 6 lanes wide and at least 1.2m deep in the shallow end for safe turns and dives. Our swimmers will need good quality anti-wave lane ropes, starting blocks and backstroke flags. Our priorities will also be for wide poolside walkways for both main pool and training pool as well as storage. The swimmers need ample changing facilities and their parents/supporters need somewhere to sit and watch and maybe gym or other facilities for them to use while waiting for their children to swim.
We would really appreciate special facilities for disabled swimmers, including hoists and wheelchair-friendly changing facilities. A viewing gallery with seating for over 100 people would be useful if we were to host a swimming gala.”
The comments expressed here are those of Lewisham residents reprinted here to show the strength of feeling there.
“Today Lewisham Council told the local press that it knew of the presence of Legionella Bacteria since analysis’ results received on 16th May. The Council also say that at receiving the news they immediately instructed the contractors to close the showers. As far as we know the showers closed on the following day May 17th.
What is really incredible is that for two weeks following the discovery of the bacteria the Council decided not to inform the public that the showers were contaminated. Ladywell Leisure Centre sees hundreds of users each day and all of them have been at risk of contracting a fatal disease, a disease that takes a few days to incubate and explode, the decision of the Council to keep the matter under lead during those critical days is, in our views, a criminal one.”
“A SWIMMING pool was closed yesterday (May 29) after bacteria which can cause Legionnaires disease was found in the showers.
Ladywell pool in Lewisham High Street has been shut until further notice because of the Legionella bacteria.
A spokesman for Lewisham Council said: ‘We have acted quickly as a precaution to ensure the safety of Ladywell pool users and staff.
‘We do not believe there is any immediate danger. There have been no instances of illness reported to us.
‘The health and safety of our service users is paramount and the council is working with Parkwood, the borough’s leisure centre contractors, to ensure a safe environment”
More Councillors finding it impossible to disguise glee while quoting their consultant’s findings. Local campaigners were quick to point out that scary things do appear in public buildings if they have consistently failed to receive adequate funding and regular planned-maintenance.
“Lewisham is a bit harsh, innit? Wot wiv all the crime an’ all.
Well.
That’s true.
But there is also another side to Lewisham; one in which Victorian buildings co-exist with shiny regenerated areas, and where farmers’ markets and leisure centres are available for all to use.
Now Lewisham Council has decided to refurbish the oldest pool in London, Forest Hill Pools, which were built in the 1880s. The Pools were suddenly closed in 2006 due to safety fears. Regrettably, however, the regeneration involves demolishing the old Victorian building completely, and rebuilding new pools. While it is understandable that safety is of the utmost importance, it seems such a shame to tear down the existing building. It would be lovely if at least the façade could be kept, as has been and is being done with several other buildings Unfortunately it has been decided that retaining the front of the building is too expensive and, most importantly, would take much longer than tearing the building down and starting anew. All in all, however, it seems that both users and Council are in agreement that a brand spanking new pool complex is an exciting prospect for Lewisham Council and Forest Hill in particular.
London Pools Campaign which, well, campaigns for London pools, has a documentary about Forest Hill Pools up on their website, which you can access here.
And do try to come down to Lewisham once in a while. It’s really not that bad.
Two years ago, as Forest Hill Pools was struggling for survival, the Friends of Forest Hill Pools produced this short documentary, a well crafted and very interesting document on local history as well as history of swimming pools in London.
Directed by James E. Melloy and presented by Steve Grindlay it documents the oldest working swimming pool in London.
The pools closed shortly after this documentary was made and as we upload it on the net we are at the eve of the Mayor of Lewiswham approving of its demolition and replacement with a modern one on the same site.
“Many of you will be aware of the Mayors decision in February 2007 to refurbish Forest Hill Pools subject to further feasibility work. This work has now been undertaken and a report on the outcomes will be discussed at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting next Wednesday 13 February at 6pm at the Town Hall. For the details of the report see: Here
The pools are badly cracked and leaking so that there are inherent risks and difficulties with the refurbishment. The officers are recommending demolition and clearance of the site including Louise House and engaging with representatives of the local community as well as users of the pool to develop the design and feasibility work.
We have funding for a new 25m pool, a learner pool, fitness suite and community facilities. We plan to cross subsidise the cost with new housing on the pocket park next to the pool and replacing the park with extensive landscaping from the library across the new frontage. This new building will be complementary in architectural style to the library.
As well as being a Sydenham Councillor I am the Cabinet Member for Community Services that includes leisure facilities and I would be pleased to hear your views on a new leisure facility.” Cllr Chris Best
“When two years, following a lengthy and extensive consultation, Mayor Bullock had said that Forest Hill Pools would have been refurbished, many in Lewisham celebrated, some cynics thought ‘I believe it when I see it’.
Fast forward two years and the Mayor decides that the Victorian complex of Forest Hill Pools will be demolished to make way for a new pool. Further analysis done by the consultants for Lewisham Council show that the refurbishment would be too risky. Two years ago this was not clear to them.
Together with the pools the adjacent Louise House will also be redeveloped. Receipts from the sale of the land for housing will offset the cost of the new pool.These are two historical buildings standing next to the listed library and many in Forest Hill will surely oppose this decision. The fact that the proposed replacement is a more limited provision than the current Victorian Pool is another reason for discontent.”
“Lewisham is a bit harsh, innit? Wot wiv all the crime an’ all.
Copyright 2010 
