WITH reference to the article about the closure of Ladywell Leisure Centre (I Will Not Back Down, News Shopper, May 10).

It is ironic at a time when Londoners will be required to pay an extra levy on their council tax for the Olympic Games, we in Lewisham are due to have our own leisure centre demolished.

The leisure centre plays an important role in this community, where people on low incomes have access to reasonably priced fitness facilities and to remove it is wrong.

Mayor Steve Bullock's colleague Mr Handley is quoted as saying "most of the people who signed the petitions don't even use the bloody pool".

I use it and enough other people use these facilities and care for their continued presence to remove Mr Handley, and several other key players in his team, from office in the recent local elections.

The word democracy once had a meaning.

Mayor Bullock is quoted as saying he will not be changing his mind.

This seems to be the very attitude which is making voters feel disenfranchised today, whether it is the leader of our country ignoring the largest demonstration in the history of London against the war in Iraq or voters expressing their opinions through the ballot box in Ladywell.

A leader of strong character would admit defeat here.

He would say, "The people I represent have said no' to the demolition of Ladywell Leisure Centre. Back to the drawing board".

Please do not mistake arrogance for vision. Mayor Bullock should listen to the electorate. It is his job.

YURI PATERSON

Davenport Road

Catford