London Pools Campaign: Harlow, Essex

If you don't want to do a thing any excuse will do.

Asked why two Primary schools had not yet received any assistance in finding alternative swimming, Lynn Seward (Head of Community Services) revealed that it had not been necessary to take any action until the decision to close was confirmed. Yet it was clear from the presentation that Officers and Councillors had made up their minds months ago. Ms Seward may have identified other pools but lack of action means that many children will be left out as demand for these 3 school pools (one temporarily closed, another facing closure) far exceeds the available time. Already, hire charges have gone up, and parents are facing increases of as much as 20% for lessons."

"Chairperson Eleanor Macy (Lib) who on Nov 6 said that the pool was too dangerous for her to permit her son to swim in, claimed this time that up until closure there had been no risk to the public and she had been happy to allow her son to swim. In an act of total indifference she then abstained from the vote. Having restricted public debate at all meetings since the closure, Ms Macy's own conclusions and opinions were published in advance of the decision on the front page of last week's local Herald. People should be in no doubt that she would have voted for demolition had her vote been needed."

(Via Harlow Penguins Closure of Harlow town swimming pool: .)

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Because someone has arrived at a situation where Harlow has to close its swimming pool before a replacement is ready the local swimming club, Harlow residents all, find themselves homeless. The council decided to close the pool and the club is considering its position.
Report recommending immediate closure - names of those recommending closure, and estimated cost of closure vs repair.

Your Council will vote to demolish your pool at the meeting at the Town Hall, on 4 Dec. 2008. 7.30pm. As a result there will be no leisure swimming in Harlow for 18 months. Children will have far less opportunity to learn to swim, and the very existence of sports clubs like Harlow Penguins is threatened.
What you can do.
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