Pool faces up to threat of closure

11:06am Tuesday 20th July 2004

CAMPAIGNERS are to fight the proposed closure of Ladywell Leisure Centre.

Opponents of the plans, which will see the area without a swimming pool for at least three years, are to hold a public meeting this Friday.

Organiser Massimiliano Calo, who uses the pool everyday, started the campaign after discovering the council will close it down in 2007 to make way for a new school.

The freelance artist from Mountpleasant Road, Ladywell, has already handed out 800 fliers at Lewisham People's Day and hopes the meeting will allow users to join together against the plans.

Two weeks ago Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock announced the scheme which will see a much needed secondary school for the north of the borough built on the leisure centre site.

Mr Calo says the recent 20-month closure of the pool for removal of asbestos saw many residents having to travel to other boroughs because the facilities in Forrest Hill are sub-standard and Wavelengths centre in Deptford is not designed for swimming.

He said: "Swimming pools serve the local community and we will have nothing in the centre of the borough.

It could spell the end of the swimming club and people will not be able to keep fit as the Government wants. No one wants this to go ahead."

The meeting will be held at the Generation Rooms, Ladywell Leisure Centre, 261 Lewisham High Street on July 23 at 7pm.

l Socialist councillors Chris Flood and Ian Page will tonight call for a public enquiry into plans to demolish the leisure centre to make way for the new school.

Cllr Flood is accusing the mayor and cabinet of ignoring the wishes of the community.