AS SOMEONE who learned to swim in Forest Hill pool, and then taught my children to swim there too, I am delighted we will soon have new pools on the same site - and with the beautiful original Victorian frontage retained.

It is a bit rich of the Mayor, though, to be so dismissive of English Heritage for giving listed status to the pool and next-door Louise House - especially given that neglect and poor maintenance of the pool led to a serious problem with the roof and uncertainty over whether the tanks would fail or remain in working condition.

English Heritage does not take these decisions lightly and residents were passionate about preserving the architectural character of this area of Forest Hill, which is about to be considered for inclusion in the conservation area.

But it's great news the quickest route to getting swimming back in Forest Hill has been taken.

There will probably be an inch added to my hips for every year of closure, but I can't blame the Mayor for that, can I?


Cllr Romayne Phoenix
Lewisham Green Party