ONCE again we are told that the wonderful Waltham Forest College swimming pool must close.

What do we have to do in Waltham Forest to stop our unique and treasured leisure facilities being taken away?

In 2007 the pool was saved from closure by the swimmers forming a group, which has funded Greenwich Leisure to manage the facility.

Now GLL has decided not to continue managing the pool and it seems the council is not willing to support the pool either.

So much for Waltham Forest’s five-a-week campaign to encourage residents to take 30 minutes a day exercise, of which swimming is one of the suggested ways to do this.

The pool is heavily used by swimmers from all round this and neighbouring boroughs, as well as by swimming clubs for training.

Denying us access to the pool is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of existing swimmers – those that are thinking of taking up or learning to swim and children in primary school, for whom there are already insufficient swim slots.

In the years leading up to the Olympics, when it is hoped that many people will be inspired to participate in sports activities, it is unacceptable that in east London where the Games are being hosted, we should lose a premier sports venue, the longest pool in Waltham Forest.

Janine Eagling,

Tower Hamlets Road,

Walthamstow