A long wait for a swim in Forest Hill

12.00.00am GMT Mon 11th Feb 2008

Cllrs Alex Feakes and Philip Peake at Forest Hill Pools

Forest Hill Pools will be reopened with two new swimming pools, a fitness suite and new community space thanks to a 2-year campaign by local councillors, residents and civic societies. The Pools closed in early 2006 due to safety concerns and the Labour Mayor of Lewisham, under the pressure of imminent elections, offered only one new pool or two refurbished old pools with a short lifespan.

The new plans for the Pools were revealed to a public meeting organized by Forest Hill Lib Dem councillors Alex Feakes, Philip Peake and John Russell on 6^th February. Local residents there had the opportunity to question Council officers about the proposals, and find out why it had taken two years for the Council to get round to offering the right facilities wanted on the site rather than the Mayor's original sub-standard suggestions. During the time, the pools have been heated and the building lit, costing local taxpayers £25k a month.

The decision on whether to demolish and rebuild or retain the façade and rebuild will be made at a Mayor & Cabinet meeting on 13^th February. As well as pushing for a 'two pool' solution for the site, Forest Hill councillors have joined with local groups to propose a hybrid option where architecturally important and attractive elements from the existing building, dating from 1880, are retained in any new build.

Cllr Alex Feakes commented: "Even though it's a shame to lose some of the heritage of the old building, it's good news that the plans have finally improved to something more like what local people were saying they wanted two years ago.

"It's scandal that two years have been wasted pursuing a flawed refurbishment idea, even if it may have been the least worst of the two alternatives. These better options could have been put on the table back in 2006, and should have been - the Mayor has to answer as to why they were not!"

Efforts to include new community space on the larger site formed by the Pools and Louise House are also supported by local councilors and residents. Cllr Philip Peake said "this area is short of good sized space for community groups, clubs and societies, so including provision for such organisations is a great idea."