The consensus of opinion amongst the town and district folk is at the surprise exhibited by some councillors at the show of strength displayed by ordinary folk and the defensiveness showed by some councillors as a consequence.

It is ridiculous that the issue is to be debated further in November, when it is quite obvious as to what the public demand is.

It is perhaps commendable that there is a forum created for public views and people are grateful for that, but surely certain public services should be maintained and retained without effectively putting the onus of decision making and responsibility onto the public. It is now time for the pool to be worked on and repaired.

A town and district the size of Matlock, requires a public swimming baths. For one of the councillors present to suggest that an 18m pool at Bakewell, a very small learner pool at Wirksworth and a pool at Ashbourne serves the Derbyshire Dales District sufficiently and that residents should feel "lucky" with these facilities, was both inaccurate and patronising.

For another councillor to also say that the furore created has been almost purely because of a "hate campaign" created by the Matlock Mercury, is also incredulous. A local newspaper is not needed when many people turn up to use the pool and yet are turned away because it is closed. The facts speak for themselves. Matlock is central to the district and is the location of the county's council offices. It needs a swimming pool.

The meeting highlighted just what swimming facilities mean to all kinds of people and the overall unparalleled benefits that are derived. The opportunities for fun for children and adults, learning to swim, rehabilitation for the injured and ill and general fitness for everyone, are lost without a swimming pool. It is well known that when all other exercise is impossible for the old, injured or impaired, the non-weight bearing requirements of swimming come to the rescue.

The Matlock and District Swimming Club has produced Olympic trialists, county champions and numerous other district, national and international competitors.

In terms of decent behaviour, fitness, discipline and constructive use of time, there is no healthier diversion for youth than a swimming club, as the conduct of its members helped display on Thursday. This needless delay will kill any chance of success with these swimmers, as it will the long-term existence of the water polo club. We need a swimming pool.

Colin Ingley
Highfield Drive
Matlock.