The report to Mayor says that the feasability study by the council officers will be done by "early 2009". This is one year later than the report that went to mayor and cabinet in February this year. There is an estimated funding gap of ?2m. What are the chances that we will see a new pool in Forest Hill either before or after the Olympics?

Of all the respondents to the survey only 53 were identified as wanting to keep the existing facade. So where were all the responses from the 1,400 people who signed the petition? If they really cared they would have joined the other 600 people who did care enough to respond to the consultation.

In the case the minority clear won out as Louise House will continue to stand on the site, while leisure facilities will be further delayed. The headteachers of both Holy Trinity (grade 2 listed) and Forest Hill Secondary School (newly rebuilt) both favoured demolition and the earliest possible return to swimming in Forest Hill. It was possible previously to argue that Louise House has little merit (either in part -e.g. laundary building, or in total) but English Heritage have concluded otherwise.

They may be a minority, but those wishing to list Louise House did have English Heritage on their side and the report has persuaded the council not to contest the listing:

What we now need is a way to get ?2m. Personally I would favour a ?6 rise in council tax in Lewisham for the next three years. Any objections?