I do think people need to accept that the building is going and that only a newbuild option is on the table. It is too possible to care too much about the past especially when what is there is pretty horrendous.

It is very apparent to me that the Council have spent a lot of time looking at various options including facade retention. I totally agree with the decision that such a proposal would restrict options on the site and compromise the facility and as a local resident, swimmer and tax payer I want to see the best use of the site and value for money, and to see facilities back on site pretty quickly. We have already wasted too much time and money, please can those who want to frustrate the process further stop and think for once about the needs of local people and children, which is for a well designed and managed sports facility on that site as soon as possible. To retain the facade would greatly reduce flexibility that is badly needed to avoid unsatisfactory compromise.

Given that the concept of full/partial retention has been explored to death the starting point needs to be ' how can we best reprovide a pool ' on the site rather than 'how can we retain the facade'. There is a great deal of talk of preserving our heritage which is fine but not at the expense of compromising public services.

The point of the proposed consultation exercise is to involve the public in the design of the new development. There is also the planning process.
I haven't personally seen the Downham Pool but from this picture I cant see what the problem is. Perhaps someone could show the streetscape so that we can see the pool in context, and also hear what local users have to say about their experience. As a local resident I also don't want to see a rubbish development on the new site so will be pressing for good design and fuctionality.

I sincerely hope the Council are minded to continue with their proposals in providing a value for money facility for local people and not be swayed by a vocal middle class minority who, lets face it, can afford other choices.