We, Aug 31, 2005Forest Hill pools consultation farce
On 25th March Steve Bullock sent his message to the swimmers and one of the key topics was the announcement the the Council would have sought the opinion of the residents of Forest Hill and users of that pool this summer.
The message looked quite straightforward:
The report indicates that we can renovate Forest Hill for around £1.5m. This would make the building safe and give it at least 10 years more life. Alternatively we could flatten and build a new facility on the site for about £2.5m which would clearly have much more modern facilities. The report recommends that we consult Forest Hill residents on what they would prefer. Again this will start in June and be reported back in the Autumn.
Unfortunately, we read on today's Mercury that the plan has taken a different turn.
Instead of consulting the people the Mayor consulted again with the consultancy company Capita.
As for the people of Forest Hill views, here's what he thinks of them:
"We are not asking the public to do the detailed work on the final building.
We are asking them to give us a broad view of what they want on that site.
Then we will have a debate with those people who want the best possible leisure facilities and those who really like the look of the building."
What Steve Bullock is saying is that those that really like the look of the building don't want the best possible leisure facilities.
Now that's cheeky!
The people of Forest Hill and the users of Forest Hill Pools have begged Lewisham Council to face its responsibility and maintain the facility in a usable state for as long as anyone can remember.
The place is in the state it is because of Lewisham Council.
Fortunately, in spite of Lewisham Council's appalling neglect, it survived.
And now Steve Bullock has the courage to insult those that care for their community assets saying that those that value Forest Hill Pools don't want good leisure facilities.
The truth is that without those that fought for the survival of Forest Hill Pools - those that today Steve Bullock is addressing with demeaning language - there woudn't be any swimming pool in Forest Hill today.
Forest Hill Pools is a beautiful Victorian building that, opened in 1885 is the oldest public bath in London.
With a caring Council it would be a jewel in its area.
Unfortunately, just when the Mayor seemed to having finally decided to listen to the concerns of the residents, he then decided to call in the cavalry of consutants from Capita to cover with the noise of their paper horses the cry for help coming from Forest Hill Pools. ...read more...