THE Yearsley Pool Action Group would like to thank the new executive and Cllr Keith Aspden in particular, for securing the long-term future of Yearsley Pool.

This much-loved and well-used pool is now going to be a part of the council’s 13-year leisure contract (The Press, August 20).

In fulfilling this commitment, the new Liberal Democrat-Conservative executive has redressed the broken promises of the Labour administration.

Large pools like Yearsley are rare.

It is one of only three long distance pools in Yorkshire.

Yearsley Pool is also unique and a proud part of York’s heritage.

This gift to the citizens of York from Rowntrees should not have been threatened in the first place.

Swimming pools the size of Yearsley not only provide fun and facilitate aquatic sports; they are an extension of the health service.

The pool helps to safeguard public health, fitness and water safety.

We do not understand why the York Labour party has continually sought to target Yearsley Pool for closure for over 20 years.

We hope that this long-term commitment from the new executive finally draws a line under the matter and we can all swim on.

Fiona Evans, Yearsley Pool Action Group, Whenby Grove, Huntington, York

 

IN reference to the recent commitment made by City of York Council executive to keep Yearsley swimming pool open.

There is a real need to encourage swimming in York, for adults it is one of the best ways to maintain fitness and health.

For our children not only is it great fun, but in a city with rivers running through it learning to swim should be an essential skill encouraged by easy access to excellent pool facilities.

I was appalled that the previous Cabinet shut Waterworld and were in the process of shutting Yearsley Pool, with a mere single 25-metre pool replacement for both.

I believe Yearsley Pool would have shut but for a well-argued campaign launched by the users of this fantastic facility. I am impressed that the new executive have had the foresight and courage to review this previous decision and keep a much loved and well used 50-yard Edwardian pool that still provides superb facilities for those interested in swimming.

There’s only one thing I’d ask for now and that is for people of York to support Yearsley Pool by taking advantage of the reprieve and come along for a swim.

Dr Mike Jones, Bishopthorpe, York

 

WHEN I came to live and work in York, I could not believe I had found such a great pool.

I have always swam, cycled, walked, ran and swimming is excellent exercise.

I could walk 33 miles on a Saturday and run a half marathon next day, swimming was essential.

Why did Labour wish to close Yearsley Pool, as this was given to York people?

The pool is valued and should never have been threatened by Labour.

I am delighted City of York Council’s executive is not to close Yearsley and is committed to a 13-year plan.

This ensures Yearsley Pool has a future.

The pool is in superb condition, with new brand-new boilers, water filters, showers, water treatment equipment and roof.

It should be appreciated that the Liberal Democrats have been the party that has worked with the community to save Yearsley.

Fiona Evans, of the Yearsley Pool Action Group, with the new executive, has worked continually to secure the long term future of Yearsley Pool.

I thank the new executive and Fiona Evans for their hard work saving this pool.

Bob Jowett, Old Orchard, Haxby, York