NO-ONE should be surprised at the comments by councillor Van Coulter (Oxford Mail, February 24) when he says that even if a challenge to the High Court is successful, Temple Cowley Pools will be demolished.

We have become used to the bullish tactics and lack of democratic accountability shown by the Labour administration of which he is a part.

Public opinion, including petitions, has been ignored, together with a lack of consultation.

Remember this is the same Labour administration that abandoned area committees and introduced single-member decision-making. Effectively Oxford City Council is run by a handful of individuals. It is time for a change.

When I walk around Rose Hill and see the lack of funding and amenities on the estate, I get very angry thinking of the millions that are to be wasted on a new pool at Blackbird Leys.

Just think what those millions could to help alleviate social deprivation in Rose Hill and other areas of the city.

Labour even tried to take away Rose Hill’s Section 106 developer money from the Lambourn Road development to go towards the pool until I embarrassed them into returning it.

There are other viable options to provide modern swimming facilities in East Oxford.

The Lib Dems would like to see a new pool within the ring road in East Oxford, linked to a new ice rink, with a consequent saving in fuel and running costs.

PETER WILKINSON, prospective Liberal Democrat candidate, Rose Hill and Iffley ward, Thames View Road, Rose Hill, Oxford