From last night's FH ward meeting there is a clear intention to work with the public on the design proposals. It should be possible consult with the public at a number of key stages in the process. The first thing is for the basic designs to be worked out (the report requests ?100k to start this immediately). These would probably then be discussed with the public while a contractor is brought in to do the work, followed by more consultation before the build goes ahead. The Ward Assembly may even choose to set up a working group specifically to consult on a regular basis regarding the pools, hopefully this could be made up of a cross-section of the community including ex-pool users and people with knowledge of building design. It may even be possible to post information on this forum and get feedback this way, it might not be democratic or representative but se23.com provides an excellent early warning system!

I believe that it is possible to build a new building that compliments the library better than the two existing buildings. It is always a shame to destroy well built and much loved local amenities, but a new build could be considerably better than the current building. We could see if there is a way to build bright yellow water slides that wrap themselves around the library and possibly even pass through the middle of the library.

For people new to the forum there was much discussion of the pools at http://www.se23.com/forum-archive/messages/9/716.html
over the last couple of years. It is a real shame that it has taken this long to reach what many of us knew (or hoped) would be the inevitable conclusion.

The design needs to be right, but I am also keen that we do not spend more time consulting than it takes to do the work. At least 2 years have been wasted, let's not waste any more.

It would be good if local people showed their passion for the pools by attending the Mayor and Cabinet meeting next week where the report will be submitted and the mayor needs to make a decision on how to proceed. We need to make sure that everything moves forward as quickly as possible.

Details of the cabinet meeting can be found at: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/councilanddem...202008.htm

13 February 2008, 6:00pm
Civic Suite, Lewisham Town Hall, Catford
Pools are item 5 on the agenda

Cabinet meetings are open to the public to observe and individuals can speak but only if they request this prior to the start of the meeting.