I WAS unfortunately unable to attend this week’s public meeting about Temple Cowley Pools, as I was working.

I am therefore writing to make the following points: 1. I live and work in Temple Cowley and I am currently able to swim at Temple Cowley Pools. However, I am one of many who would find it impossible to get to Blackbird Leys to swim, since my working schedule is essentially 9.30 am to 8.15 pm, with only short breaks. There would not be time in the day to get there and back, and to be sure of being back by 9.30 am would mean an impossibly early start, given that I work well into the evenings. My exact situation may be unusual, but it is certainly the case that those who go swimming during their lunch-hours would also not have time to travel to Blackbird Leys.

2. If the pools at Temple Cowley and Blackbird Leys are amalgamated, then there will presumably be less time for public swimming, since more schools will need to be accommodated (assuming school usage is maintained). What about current efforts to minimise obesity by increasing exercise?

3. As the Oxford University pool was given planning permission on the basis that it would host galas for the City of Oxford Swimming Club, why is that not being enforced? That would then free the council to concentrate on green refurbishment of existing facilities, in the interests of council taxpayers and schools, maintaining the status quo [which is practically always the best thing to do].

I await councillors’ response with interest.

Charlotte Barrow, Temple Cowley, Oxford