WITH regards to the article (Splashing out with pool cash, The Press, November 17) about the "public consultation" over where cash from the Barbican should be spent, the question seems to be posed as to whether the £4 million ought to be spent on refurbishing Edmund Wilson or towards a new pool at Oaklands.

Can we ask where the money for the refurbishment of Yearsley Pool is - and who is fighting for this to remain in use for those of us who live on that side of the city?

As far as I am aware, this pool is always in constant demand - the queue of customers waiting for the early morning swim and the demand for the excellent swimming lessons is a statement to the professionalism shown by dedicated staff.

However, without money being spent, it is possible that this centre will not be able to continue.

Has the promise to refurbish Yearsley and mend the roof once the Barbican was sold been forgotten?

Name and address supplied

A City of York Council spokeswoman said:

 "The council's executive committed £500,000 from the anticipated Barbican receipt to the improvement and repairs at Yearsley Pool in February.

"Our experts have now drawn up a long list of items that this money might need to be spent on and we are consulting user groups.

"Once the Barbican money has been received, we will be able to programme the work. As the pool will need to be closed while the work is completed, we will need to choose the timing carefully in order to minimise disruption to users.

"In the meantime, we have carried out emergency repairs to the pool and made a number of improvements for the benefits of users who have disabilities."