IN Chris Buratta’s recent article in the Oxford Mail, Ian Smith, from the City of Oxford Swimming Club, says “the Blackbird Leys option meets the requirements. It is necessary for us.”

When planning permission was given for the university pool in Iffley Road, I understand that it was on condition that it would be a suitable venue for galas, and a venue which the club would be entitled to use.

Apparently the problem there is a lack of seating.

Why should the communities of East and South Oxford lose their pool to a facility that few people (apart from the swimming club) seem to want.

This is especially true, given that there is another pool in the city which was specifically built to provide for the club’s galas?

Temple Cowley is a community pool which, yes, is used by the swimming club, but it is that way round.

It is not the swimming club’s pool which the public are generously allowed to use on occasion.

Surely the answer for the club should have been to provide adequate seating at Iffley Road.

That way, the community aspect of swimming can be the sole focus for the future of both Temple Cowley and Blackbird Leys?

CHARLOTTE BARROW, St Christopher’s Place, Temple Cowley, Oxford