The Forest Hill Society does not adopt policy except at quorate General Meetings (we are looking to organise one in the next few months). The policy of domolition is that of Lewisham Council and my understanding is that this is supported by local councillors in Forest Hill, Perry Vale, and Sydenham, as well as the mayor who made the decision in cabinet.

It is the duty of the Forest Hill Society to constructively engage with the council on such matters and to represent views of local residents (which does include representing views that I may not personally agree with). When the consultation exercise was undertaken in 2005/2006, when the pool was still open, opinion was split pretty evenly between those who wanted a new pool and those who wanted refurbishment. Many people who did want refurbishment chose this option because it was the only way to retain two pools on the site, something which is vital in a modern pools facility and something that the current building houses. Given that the new proposal does include two pools if the council were to survey local residents and particularly pool users, my expectation would be that there would be a majority in favour of the rebuild option. But this alone does not make it right.

In the next week representatives from Forest Hill Society and Sydenham Society will be meeting with Lewisham councillors and officials regarding possible options. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed to make sure that the best solution is arrived at - whatever that may be. But the Executive of the Forest Hill Society has agreed that if the council's plan is to demolish the existing pools then we will work with them to make sure that Forest Hill gets a good new design that recognises in some way the architecture that may be lost. If it can be proved that Forest Hill can get a better pool with better facilities, in a new building which complements the library, faster than the refurbishment option, and for approximately the same price, then I think it would be foolish for local residents not to at least listen to the proposal from the council.

We will provide you with more information regarding any plans as soon as we know what they are. In the meantime I make no apology for my personal view that the sooner swimming returns to Forest Hill the better it will be, not just for swimmers but for local shops and schools.