M KENDALL, of Wheldrake, (Letters, November 2) may recall that prior to the closure of the Barbican pool in July 2004 and the complex later in the year, many individuals protested strongly against the cessation of activities on the site for the very reason that the area would lose all sporting, fitness and swimming facilities.

Despite City of York Council's reassurance that activities would be accommodated at other venues across the city, this hasn't happened.

After the pool closed I took my three young children once a week by bus to Edmund Wilson swimming pool. A half hour lesson for two of my children became a two-and-a-half hour round trip. It cost me nearly £5 in bus fares each time.

No I did not like it - a pool across the road from me would have been so much better - but I considered it an extremely worthwhile activity. Not only were my children enjoying their swim, they were learning a skill and by doing so investing in a healthy lifestyle.

Looking back, I know I was right to protest about the closure of the pool and centre and I am still fighting the council, both over the redevelopment and the licensing of the Barbican.

M Kendall must keep in mind the proposed redevelopment will mean a five-storey block of 240 apartments directly across the road from my home, as well as a hotel, etc.

As for the licensing, among other things I am dreading having to dodge yet more vomit and broken glass on the footpath as I walk my children to school, not to mention clearing out half eaten takeaways that have been thrown into our front garden overnight.

Maria Dodd,

Barbican Road,

York.

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, November 17, 2005