Local campaigners scent success in pools saga

7.25.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Jul 2009

Liberal Democrats and local campaigners in Forest Hill are scenting success in their long-running campaign to restore swimming to the town centre.

Council officers have found extra money in Lewisham's Capital Budget, which they say is because other projects have brought in funds earlier than expected. This means the Labour Mayor of Lewisham is being publicly given the opportunity by his officers to rebuild the Pools at Dartmouth Road, starting immediately.

Forest Hill ward councillor Philip Peake, commented: "This is a vindication of our and the local community's campaigning. We said this option could and should be provided at Dartmouth Rd. It's a pity it's taken so long to get here, but now Mayor Bullock has been given this lifeline and he would be foolish not to take it."

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Lewisham West & Penge, Alex Feakes commented: "Finding the missing millions to fund the gap in this project is great news. We always said that it was possible to do this - it just needed the will to make it happen."

Forest Hill ward councillor, John Russell, said: "For those of us who have put in many, many hours it is fantastic there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. The delay in the Dartmouth Rd option was the big issue raised by people in the consultation. That's now fallen away."

Leader of Lewisham Liberal Democrats and prospective mayoral candidate, Cllr Chris Maines said: "This shows the power of councillors and community working together: I for one recognise the strength of public opinion on this, and rebuilding immediately is the decision I would be making as Mayor."

Related Link:

Lewisham Council: official reports.