What a cheek! I was amazed to read your article covering York leisure services' suggestion that they are contemplating setting up a community trust to run Yearsley pool (January 17).

I cannot believe that people who we elect to ensure our community is administered properly, and who happily take the money we pay in local taxes, have only one suggestion - that a group of volunteers run the pool.

Perhaps there is a general policy: are we to see schools staffed by people who fancy trying their hand at teaching and policing carried out by anyone who has always been keen on law and order? The council has a duty to do its job and provide adequate services for the community. Is this too much to ask?

As has been shown by the many letters you have received there is a large amount of support for both swimming pools, and for the many good reasons others have mentioned.

We must not let these people renege on their responsibilities. Perhaps it is they who should be closed down and not the pools.

Dr Mike Jones,

Main Street,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

...Prior to the mid-seventies, the city had three municipal pools - St George's, Rowntree Park and Yearsley. Now, with a much-increased population, there are still three functioning pools - Edmund Wilson, The Barbican and Yearsley.

Assuming the reason for the proposed closure is based on financial considerations, one is tempted to argue that all the parks and gardens be closed on the grounds that they can hardly be profitable.

Our pools should be regarded as a major amenity for York's citizens, even though some cost is borne by the authority.

Neville Greaves,

Muncastergate,

York.

...I am very concerned about the suggested cutbacks by City of York Council to save money by closing the Barbican and Yearsley swimming baths and some of the libraries in the York area.

York people, young and old, need these facilities. We are now in the 21st century, not the dark ages.

The council could save £100,000 a year by cancelling the printing of the Citizen and Streetwise magazines, which usually end up in the waste-bin.

This money could be used to better effect.

York people have only to read the Evening Press to realise what the council plans for York area in the future.

Mrs B Pettitt,

Rosemary Place,

York.

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