IF we are to keep to our very thought-through planning policy statement, we cannot get rid of a leisure facility, especially one as much appreciated as Temple Cowley Pool, unless we are replacing it with another such facility, within the locality.
The new pool at Blackbird Leys will replace the existing pool there in its locality, but there is no replacement for the pool at Temple Cowley in its locality unless this bid is accepted.
In my experience as a councillor, I was made aware by many people, young and old, that they rely on the pool at Temple Cowley to keep fit and would not be able to go further away for a pool.
The loss of such facilities where people are able to exercise, and socialise, has been shown to be of great physical and psychological loss to areas including increased levels of crime. Research has been done to show that whole communities ‘fail’ when such centres are lost.
There is also the issue that most people do not travel more than 20 minutes to an exercise facility on a regular basis. At present many (65 per cent walk or cycle to TC Pools site including children and ‘oldies’).
They say they would not be able to go to another site with such ease and therefore would probably stop or reduce the number of exercise sessions considerably.
The bid being put forward by the Temple Cowley Pool group is the most professional, progressive and imaginative bid being proposed for the site. The plans include an affordable cafe with real delicious healthy food (rather than fizzy drink, crisp and chocolate machines). We are planning to work with those who grow food locally such as ‘Cultivate’ and the local ‘food justice groups’. As more and more people, children and adults, are becoming obese it is crucial that the council gives weight to this issue when plans for a new facility are offered.
Nuala Young, Tree lane, Oxford
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