THE Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust announced its intention to close the swimming pool at New Earswick, with no consultation with the 13 clubs and hirers who use the pool.

In various ways, this pool is instrumental in providing a facility for children and adults.

The Swimming Club provides the opportunity to learn the basics of swimming technique, take part in competitive swimming and lifesaving skills.

The Disabled Swimming Club has regularly 30-plus people in the pool on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

It matters not what the disability is, once the person is in the pool, it is a great leveller.

It is a godsend to so many people to get in the pool, often by hoist, and receive the support and friendship of the other users.

JRHT in their 2016 report said that the social value of the pool was £1.7 million. Now they say it is of little value.

The Liberal Democrats launched a petition asking for a proper consultation. This now has well over 1,000 signatures and can be found on www.yorklibdems.org.uk/neswimmingpool.

The New Earswick Swimming Club now have a petition which asks for the pool to stay open. It is on www.change.org/p/joseph-rowntree-housing-trust-save-new-earswick-swimming-pool.

Please sign both petitions.

A group, “Friends of New Earswick Pool”, is being formed to call for the pool to remain open. Details can be found on the New Earswick Swimming Club Facebook page.

On Tuesday, October 24, between 4pm and 7pm, there is a drop in session at The Garth, New Earswick when representation from JRHT will be available to give more information regarding the developments in New Earswick.

Linda Nelson, Assistant at New Earswick Disabled Swimming Club, York